Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We have had our adult wild caught GTP for 4 months. We have offered it food several times...live mice, f/t mice, live chicks...it just won't eat. We watch it closely and noticed it is losing weight, so we force-fed it a mouse. About 30 minutes later it spit it back out. What else can we try? I would appreciate any help you can give us!

Amy
7.8 Redtail Boas
1.3 Redfoot Tortisoises
1.1 Rhino Igunas
0.0.0 GTP
1.0 Ball Python

I would recommend a trip to the vet. Regurge is not a good sign. I've had several WC animals over the years and sometimes force feeding is necessary to get them hungry/going. I have never experienced a single regurge in all my years of keeping chondros.

What size meal did you force feed in relation to the animal. For adults, I usually start with a f/t or f/k hopper mouse for a first assist feeding. I dip the mouse in egg whites to help get it into the throat. Not only does it help with feeding, but it also adds a bit more nutrients.

What are the temps?

What is the sex and approx. age?

Where is the animal located.....such as a secluded room or a high traffic area?

Has a fecal test been done?

WC animals are usually pretty easy in my experience. IMHO, there is something keeping it from wanting to feed. If you have a male, it could just be typical male fasting. I'm sure there are others that can come up with more questions to try to help you answer your question.

Brandon Osborne
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www.brandonosbornereptiles.com

We haven't had it probed, but we believe it is a male and probably near 5 years old.

Perhaps, he is just fasting...

Thanks for the information!

That sounds very typical to me. Even while not breeding, some males will fast for no reason at all. As long as he's healthy, he'll be fine. My first male went on an 8 month fast and began feeding like he had never missed a meal. He looked as good from day one and never lost an ounce. Don't let them boys stress you out. He'll eat when he's ready.

Brandon Osborne
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www.brandonosbornereptiles.com