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Simbi had refused her last 2 feedings, she was just starting to go blue the 2nd feeding, which was the 25th. She shed today, so I tried feeding her with the same results (3rd refusal). She noses the mouse then looks for a way out of the box.

She had been on 4 g fuzzies from the pet store, she ate the 5 g fuzzy from TMF without issue 3 feedings ago (feed on days ending in 5 & 0) so I don't think size is the issue. Its like it doesn't smell like something she recognizes as food. I slit the mice. I've tried thawing in a plastic bag and just in the water. Same feeding routine since I've had her, other then the slight increase in size. Temps etc good.

I tried washing it in Joy, but she was even less interested then unwashed. I'm going to try getting some stinky mouse bedding from the petstore tomorrow. If that doesn't work I'll try a f/t from the petstore again. Hoping to avoid live, if I can. Her weight is good, so I've got time to fight with her.

Feel free to give any ideas if you got them.
 
Thanks Jen,

I was thinking about trying a pinkie, even though she's been doing 4-5 g fuzzies since I got her. Maybe thaw it in the mouse bedding. Despite her refusals she's up to 28 grams, so I'd have to say she's doing good, just naughty. And her personality is just great. Still kinda shy, but thats ok with me.

Shannon
 
I will occasionally get a hatchling that will refuse several meals in a row (before and after) around the time they shed. Luckily, it doesn't happen consistently with the same hatchling. I've found that offering another meal too soon can sometimes perpetuate the problem, so wait until the next regular scheduled feeding to try again. Since you have already tried a washed fuzzy, try the normal fuzzy again, but if your snake doesn't take it in the usual amount of time, I would recommend that you brain it (cut a small hole in the skull and squeeze some brains out). Sounds gross, but it usually works like a charm. And don't panic. Since your snake is taking fuzzies, a few skipped meals isn't going to hurt anything.
 
Thanks Susan,

I'm not worried yet, just more frustrated. Her weight had gone up from the last time I fed her, even with the refusals. Her next scheduled feeding is Saturday. I'm going to pick up some used mouse bedding and thaw the mouse in it to see if that helps. From her reactions it the mice from TMF seem to not be "mousy" enough smelling for her. They definitely stink less then the ones I got from the pet store.
 
Along with the suggestions posted already, you could try tease feeding. This can actaully freak out hatchlings though, they tend to focus more on the sticks than the mouse. Definitely brain.

Also, double check your temps just in case something's a bit off.
 
Tease feeding is out, she's afraid of zombie mice. I'm picking up the mouse bedding in the morning. I'm going to thaw her mouse in the bedding in the fridge during the day and the heat it, so its good and scented. She spent some time out cruising around tonight, so hopefully she'll eat tomorrow.

I'm an obsessive temp checker so I know her temps are good. Will try braining as well.

Thanks again everyone.
 
Yumm Yumm Yummm

Not sure if it was the braining, the thawing in stinky mouse bedding or just that she got hungry/out of shed cycle enough but the stinker finally ate.

Took her out and weighed her, down 2 grams to 26 which is ok. Put her in her feeding box and she immediately started looking around. Put the mouse in. She cruised over, gave it a good sniffing and promptly butt-munched it. About 5 minutes from sniff to down the hatch. I'm so happy!! :crazy02:

Yeah!!!
 
Awww...

So glad the little sweetie finally ate... lol. I know you are probably relieved for sure lol...

Have a good day,

Lil. :)
 
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