Hi,

Just joined the forum in hopes of getting some advice. I know there have been several threads posted about Dumerils not eating; sorry to add another.

I picked up a new Dum (I also have one adult) from an expo about a month ago, and he has yet to eat. It's a young snake, only about a foot a half, but of good weight, even after not eating for a month.

I was careful to leave him alone for a week and a half or so to let him acclimate. Even during the first few days in his new home, he seemed to be a very confident and secure snake. He is in a 10-g tank, of which 3 of the sides are covered to make it darker/more comfortable for him. Aspen substrate. He has a hide which he rarely uses; he prefers to bury in his substrate with his head sticking out. He does spend, however, a LOT of his time uncovered in the tank. Laying on top of his hide, or 3/4 out from under the substrate, laying over (but rarely in) his water dish (ha). I have considered moving him to a smaller encloure, but I would expect to see less of him out and about if he were stressed. (???)

I have been trying to feed frozen small mice, to no avail. I have tried putting him in a smaller container overnight with his food. No luck. Should I try live perhaps, just to get him going?

I believe the temperature is correct in his tank, ranging from 85-75. I am not sure about the humidity, however. I have read/heard a lot of contradictory information about how humid it should really be in a Dum's enclosure.

I have been handling the snake as little as possible in case he is in fact stressed. When I do handle him, he seems very mellow, yet plenty active. He is a beautiful snake, which a LOT of bright orangey-pink color, and seems very "friendly." I am quite fond of him already and am getting concerned. I really appreciate your time spent reading this; sorry for the ridiculously long post.

Attached is a funny picture of the little guy.

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