Posted by:
Garter_Gabby
at Wed Sep 24 20:13:17 2008 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Garter_Gabby ]
>>should I consider force feeding? these are my first hogs, and I've only had them a bit over a month. they are only a few months old.I know that everything is done correctly for the cage, and both of them have eaten for me. I guess I just don't know when I should start to worry. It's been three weeks now since his last meal. would the size of the cage have anything to do with it? They are together in a ten gallon (its half as tall as a normal 10 tho). I'm just new to hogs.When do I worry? He hasn't lost any weight.
>>
If I'm understanding correctly, it's not the putting of the two together that put your male off feed because he quit eating prior to you getting your female. Yes? Am I correct?
If that's the case, the putting together could exacerbate your male not wanting to take food but I don't think that would be a HUGE factor. Just probably contributing.
Also, do you feed in medium or so deli cups so that your snakes don't have to compete? This would also give them a measure of security and allow them to eat unafraid. And do you leave your snakes in the deli up, on the hot spot, over night if they don't eat right away? If not, you may want to try this to see what happens.
Are you able to contact your breeder and talk to him/her? They're your best resource.
I'm new to this Hoggy-bit myself and have read Hoggies will just turn up those WAY CUTE little noses and quit eating sometimes for no reason. However, at this time of year... I think your guy's slowing down.
I think I'm correct on what I'm about to tell you - and if I'm not I bet the old salts will jump in and help.
Continue to keep your temps even and as they are - mid 80's high end/hot spot, room temp at other end. And once a week continue to offer a pinkie to your male. He may not eat for months, then may eat one week, then may go two weeks w/o eating, eat two weeks, not eat for three more weeks and then WAMM! He's back to eating weekly.
Please note the above is my experience with a 15-year-old bull snake that's not brumated but allowed to let room temps and the sunlight dictate what he needs. But I'm thinking it shouldn't be that much different with a Hoggy getting through the winter.
My little Hogglette, born in July and that I've had... Oh, about 1.5 to 2 months now, has not eaten in two weeks. However, I'm not worried [yet, remember I am a noob!] because he did gain weight and is just the cutest fat thing you ever saw! He's out and about and all over the place, so I know he's healthy and happy.
Just not hungry. I'm thinking he's slowing down for the winter - I'm not going to brumate - and has pooped twice [at least, because I saw him!] since his last feeding. So, I'll continue to offer him a pinkie once a week, keep records, watch his color, eyes, activity, over-all snake-ness and not worry for aobut four months.
Or at least try not to worry.
It's always the first year with a Hoggy that's the hardest for a noob.
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mk
In Hog Heaven
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RE: new hog...but first one wont eat! - Garter_Gabby, Wed Sep 24 20:13:17 2008