Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, after 3 months, Columbia is finally eating again. I had tried just about everything... changing temps, substrate, lighting, cage location, and even brought her to the vet, all to no avail. I had also tried a several different types of f/t, f/k, and live food items. Today I finally tried a f/t pinky, and she ate it without hesitation! Then I sewed another pinky to the nose of a f/t rat fuzzy, and she scarfed those down too! In retrospect, I should have figured this out sooner... she went off feed about the same time that I switched my '02 black milks from pinkies to fuzzies. When the fuzzies arrived, I wanted to get rid of the old pinkies in my freezer before they went bad, so I ended up feeding most of them to Columbia. Apparently, within the space of a couple weeks, she became addicted to pinkies. I'm glad that she's finally eating, but on the other hand, it's going to be a pain in the butt to do these sewing/scenting tricks. Does anyone have any guesstimates as to how long it will take to get her switched back to normal food items? (ie: f/t rat fuzzies or adult mice) Obviously, every snake is different, but if anyone has dealt with this before, I'd like to hear what worked for you. Thanks!

Nate

Put only one pinky in her feeding tank (don't know if you feed in tank or outside), along with one of the next size mouse (like a fuzzy). She should scarf up the pinky and then move right onto the fuzzy while she is still in the feeding mode. If this works, then the next week, put one fuzzy in (no pinkies this time) and the next size mouse in with her and she should do the same. Keep doing this until she is on the right size food item. Hope this helps.
-----
sue