Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had a young (34 in.) female Dumeril's since last July. For the first five months, her substrate was "Repti-Bark" and she had a fantastic feeding response, never failing to consume a f/t mouse left in her enclosure (20 gal. long aquarium) overnight. During the day she always hid under the bark substrate, coming out at night to cruise around.
In early november however, I had to deal with a mite infestation, and I've been using paper towels as substrate ever since. In these last three months, she has completely refused f/t mice, appearing interested at first (smelling, nudging) before refusing. I've tried the shoebox overnight trick, and cutting the head open, to no avail. She has only ate two mice in the last three months, both were fresh, pre-killed directly from the pet store.
But I have 25 frozen mice in my freezer that I don't want to go to waste, it is a chore to go to the pet store to get her fresh ones.

Is it possible that her refusal of f/t mice has some connection with changing the substrate? Does the ability to burrow into the substrate enhance the feeding response? Should I switch back to the bark?

yes it does. it isnt necesarily the substrate but a change in the enclosure. shes having to basically "adapt" to her new surroundings which takes time. what you might want to do is try newspaper. i used to have my dum in reptibark but i switched to newspaper and he is doing just fine.
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1.1.0 Colombian Redtail Boas
2.1.0 Sumatran Blood Pythons
1.0 Black Blood Python
1.0 Dumeril's Boa
0.1 Coastal Carpet Python
0.1 Jungle Carpet Python
1.0 Texas Tiger Salamander

A related question---is shredded cypress, bagged in a brand of substrate called "Keeper's Choice"---an acceptable substrate for Dumerils?

i dont usually use cypress but if i recall correctly, cypress mulch is harmful if swallowed and the manufacturer recommends feeding the animal in a separate container. no biggie if you usually feed in a diff container/tank but its a hassle for people like me that feed in the same.
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1.1.0 Colombian Redtail Boas
2.1.0 Sumatran Blood Pythons
1.0 Black Blood Python
1.0 Dumeril's Boa
0.1 Coastal Carpet Python
0.1 Jungle Carpet Python
1.0 Texas Tiger Salamander

Actually, I have the same problem with mine... she eats very well over the spring-fall, and then Nov-Dec she just about stops eating and then picks up eating again about march - April.. not sure if its a seasonal thing or not, but she doesnt eat much over teh winter... as long as she isnt dropping weight and she is acting healthy, i wouldnt worry too much about it. But then again, the change in substrate could do the trick. I keep all mine on Aspen... they seem to love it.