First of all, don't panic about the JCP not eating. Snakes go through different stages, and will generally eat when they are ready.

Moving her to a smaller box is a good idea. She obviously felt insecure in her bigger one, which is why she would squeeze and let go immediately.

Don't go from mice to rats. A JCP feeding on rats is a good idea, as they are more nutritious (often, JCPs have a tendency to abscond from rats).

Leave her a week, making sure her temps range from 75-85 deg far. An accurate indoor/outdoor max/min digital thermometer is a must for non-feeding snakes. You can place the probe in her smaller case, and then there is no need to disturb her to check temps. Temps are the main reason snakes don't eat. Don't handle her. The idea is to make her feel as secure as possible.

Try feeding her in the dark. JCP's are nocturnal, and naturally hunt at night. Hold the food with a long pair of tongues. This means that she will detect less heat from your hand (which is threatening) and more from the rat.

How are you thawing the food? Try placing the rat in a sealed bag, and into some warm (but not hot) water. Leave until completely heated through (this normally takes about 20 mins, depending on size). Try taking the food to the snake in the bag, in some warm water, in a bowl. This means the rat will not cool down in between you taking it out, and getting it to your JCP.

Another method often suggested (though i've never had much luck with it) is called braining. Try warming the rat, and then, with some small scissors, slicing the skull open and squeezing some of the brain fluid out. Yes, this is completely disgusting, but snakes find it alluring on the nose.

How long is your JCP? if she is more than 2 feet, try feeding small weaner rats. These have a good coat of fur on them, which is also appealing to snakes. They are about 5 cm long (2 inches). Whilst they may seem big, snakes can easily digest large prey, up to 3 times the width of their neck, providing temps are adequate.

One last thing to consider - weigh her now, and, after each week of non-feeding, weigh her again. Ensure she is not losing too much weight. Her spine should not be noticeable.

Just to reiterate - don't worry about her not eating. A 5 month old JCP should be well-enough built to easily last 6 weeks without food. At about a month, get concerned. Read over the forums, do a search for feeding, there is a wealth of information available here.

Cheers. Aaron.
-----
1 Bearded Dragon - Pogona Vitticeps
1 Central Netted Dragon - Ctenophorus Nuchalis
1 Coastal Carpet Python - McDowelli
1 Jungle Python - Cheynei
3 Northern Blue Tongues

[ Show Entire Thread ]