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Finally!

shaft6977

shaft6977

New member
Not sure if I should post this under husbandry, feeding problems, or behavior. The whole situation is strange to me. When I set my viv up, I went with a 2-2-1 mixture of organic topsoil, cypress mulch, and Eco Earth coconut fiber for substrate (really going for a natural look). I think my snake hated it. He never came out of his hides, even at night, and he wouldn't eat. On a whim last night, I scooped it all out and replaced it with Exo Terra moss carpet. The difference has been unreal. He spent most of the night cruising around exploring and tonight has been no different. I even got him to eat. I'll admit, I'm confused as all get out. I really figured that going "all natural" would really bring out some natural behaviors in him, but the exact opposite seems to be true. Has anyone else experienced anything similar to this?
 
Super!

I use aspen substrate which I've heard is best for these guys, but my first corn snake had a terrarium 'carpet' which worked fine. I had 2 so I could switch them out quickly. I've never heard a story like yours though! It's good you changed it all around and that your snake is 'lovin life' again!
 
I'm a new owner and I never would have guessed that a snake would be particular about certain things in their enclosure, but apparently I was wrong. So relieved that he's happy with everything now!
 
I used shredded Aspen for a few weeks, then I switched to "Repti-Bark" for a few weeks, and currently I am using a Mat. I've been using the Mat now for the longest time, and I definitely like it better and I think the snake does too.
 
Think about this. When you had the naturalistic viv, your snake was hidden away (comfortably??) Now, with the carpet, he's disturbed and is out looking around for his old hiding spots. With cornsnakes, a snake that is out and active wants something. Food, a mate, escape, a better place to be. You see it all the time when you bring a new hatchling home, or move a snake to a different viv. Very active until they know every inch of their surroundings, at which point they mostly give up on trying to find a way out.
 
I had actually considered exactly what you describe. And you're right, he was constantly trying to find a means of escape. So you think it's actually a case of him not being as comfortable? I just found it fascinating that he started eating again and he doesn't seem quite as jumpy. I probably sound like a total noob here, but I'm super eager to learn and really value everyone's insight.
 
How long have you had him, and how long did you wait after getting him to try to feed him, and how often were you offering? He looks like a baby, from his picture. Are you feeding him in his viv, or out?
 
I got him roughly 3 weeks ago, fed 3 days after that (outside of viv), tried handling 48 hours later and he ended up regurgitating. I waited 8 days to try to feed again (outside of viv) and he refused. Waited 2 more days and he refused again (again, outside of viv). At that point I was getting a little concerned because I learned that his initial feeding from me was his first since he'd hatched. Last night I decided to try something different and put the pinkie head in the viv and he ate it within an hour or so.
 
I usually wait three days after feeding to handle. It's conservative- but...When did he shed? I wonder if he was hiding away partly because he was blue? It seems like he should either be going blue or shedding any day. You have to be careful feeding pinks, especially parts, in the viv. Snakes are good at pushing them away, and you think it's eaten, and then it starts to smell, and then you don't know if it's a regurge, or was never eaten. Since that was his first meal, I wonder if it was just too big. Okay, and since it was his first meal, he probably isn't due to go blue again till...right about now! I'd feed again in four days (since it was only a head) and I'd do the same think, pink head, or _maybe_ head and arms (you can save the bodies for the next meals) but I'd try in a deli cup, covered up so he can't see you, and left alone for an hour before checking. He ate the first time, so he's pretty much told you he is willing to eat mice. He shouldn't need any super-special feeding conditions, _but_ you're going to have to be very careful increasing meal size. I'd recommend steps like head, head and shoulders, 1/3 pink, 2 1/3 pieces, 1/2, 1/2, then the smallest whole pink you can find, cut in halves or thirds, and then if everything is going perfectly, back to tiny whole pinks with a lot of slits. And be VERY careful not to feed him when he's blue. And if you can get Nutribac- that would be best. To just sprinkle on his meals for the next couple months.
 
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