Posted by:
HappyHillbilly
at Tue Aug 5 13:47:10 2008 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by HappyHillbilly ]
I think everyone has given great advice. Everything that I thought of, or can think of, has pretty well been covered.
* Metabolism (which is controlled by environment conditions)
* Reduce food intake instead of witholding
* Exercise
It will take some time, probably a few months, before a noticeable difference will be seen. As with humans, a gradual weight loss is much healthier. It's less traumatic, physically, as well as mentally.
One thing I'd really like to reiterate for safety reasons - As was mentioned, the snake will become more active in search for food due to hunger. And also as mentioned, this will likely cause a change in temperament.
The snake's feeding response will likely get pretty intense so stay on your toes. This will probably subside as the stomach shrinks and hunger reduces over time. Maybe, maybe not.
Personally, I would continue to feed rabbits since it's already taken a likin' to 'em, just reduce the size of the rabbits. If you revert back to rats, guinea pigs, or anything else you may never get it back on rabbits. You're probably going to have to experiment with the prey size & frequency of feeding. You may find that feeding one smaller rabbit more often is better than a few smaller rabbits less often. Or, vice-versa.
One other thing - A proper enclosure is very important since the snake will become quite active. It must be secure and free from surfaces that can cause nose-rub damage.
You're in for a long road trip but it can be done. As with most road trips, it won't be without adventures.
Best wishes!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American
www.natures-signature.com
[ Hide Replies ]
- advice, opinions, help - exitwounds, Mon Aug 4 15:49:01 2008
- RE: advice, opinions, help - bwaffa, Mon Aug 4 22:12:32 2008
- RE: advice, opinions, help - laurarfl, Tue Aug 5 07:18:27 2008
- RE: advice, opinions, help - bwaffa, Tue Aug 5 09:49:34 2008
- RE: advice, opinions, help - PHFaust, Tue Aug 5 10:28:54 2008
 RE: advice, opinions, help - HappyHillbilly, Tue Aug 5 13:47:10 2008
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