Posted by:
RoyerReptiles
at Mon May 26 19:57:29 2003 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by RoyerReptiles ]
Now, I've only tackled WC adults for the last two years, but I have done quite a few of them. Perhaps I have some sort of magic spell on my house, but I have not had a single one NOT eat within a month....on rats.
I've never offered hamsters or gerbils. I give them a small quarantine cage...usually a 10 gallon aquarium. Heat is provided at 88 degrees under which I place a hide box, which is usually so large that it takes up half the space available. I offer water which I change twice a week.
My humble suggestions assume that the snake has been treated for parasites upon arrival (your #1 enemy in this war) and is properly hydrated (by soaking).
Step one: place cage in a low traffic area.
Step two: leave it alone. No matter what. Don't take it out to look at it. Only clean the cage when neccesary. No peeking.
Step three: after about a week, drop in a live small rat (yes, LIVE) and observe/stay where you can hear what's going on.
Don't leave the rat overnight, but you may have to cover the tank with a towel and wait several hours. A well fed young rat is not likely to injure your snake. For that matter, you can drop in a tidbit for the rat to chew in the meantime.
If the snake does not take the meal, remove and try again every few days until you get the desired response. Some may need to be scented with hamsters or gerbils, but I strongly caution against actually feeding gerbils or hamsters unless you are prepared to do so permanently.
Patience is the name of the game. Even when your snake does begin eating, be assured that is likely that all WC adult animals will fast from time to time.
Best of luck,
K. Royer
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RE: how to start an adult w/c eating? - RoyerReptiles, Mon May 26 19:57:29 2003