Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a baby alterna. What are some effective ways to get it to eat a pinkie mouse? Also is the desert blend bedding that is made out of crushed english walnut shells harmfull to the snake?
Any answers are greatly appreciated.

on the bedding: I don't think that I'd like to spend my life on walnut shells. I use clean dry pine shavings, never had a problem. Cypress shavings are fine also.
On feeding. I assume it has not taken offered mice so here is what I do. Too late for my step one, which is to feed when coming out of the egg.
make sure the pinky is newborn. even a day old can sometimes be too big. Many alterna are scared of prey that is a bit large.

put the snake into a bare container (maybe paper towel on bottom) such as a deli cup, coffee can, whatever. Smaller container is better, but not too small. Leave the pinky in with it in a dark area.

IF that doesn't work, next step is wash pinky with unscented soap (Ivory), dry it, scent with lizard.

If that doesn't work, having used both live and dead food, then I pump the snake and try again in a couple weeks. if still not working I pump again, try again in a few weeks.

If it makes it to Oct. without eating then I pump again, let it digest and put it into brumation. After a couple months I'll bring it out, try again. if still no luck I'll brumate it again and try in the spring.

At least half of the non-feeders have fed for me after a standard brumation.

Good luck