Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi FOlks,
I have a blk pine that is just over 3 feet long. I have been feeding her mice. working up on the size of the prey item. I have been feeding her two mice and then tried to switch her over to rats. Since trying that, she hasn't eaten at all. It has been almost 3 weeks now. She has lost a little weight, but not too much. Still moving around good. Still strong as she has been.

I know that people have said that when they get hooked on one type of food (rats, mice or quail) they will usually always want that type of food. I've tried washing the small rats in just water. Today I tried a small rat (hopper I think? size wise, she should be able to eat it just fine.) then tried two smaller mice and she didn't eat at all. I washed out the feeding tubs I use and I'll try the mice again later on today.

What I'm wondering is how long should I go with her not eating before I need to get worried? At what point should I consider having a vet force feed her? If I can get a stool sample, I'll be bringing it to the vet, but since she hasn't eaten in a while, I'm not holding my breath for that.

Thanks for any advice.
Rob
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For Sale cheap: One (1) 6' 19 yr old male. Does no house work. Has no job and will complain. Constantly.
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa-Ziggy
1.0 Creamscicle motley corn--Cozmo
0.1 Creamscicle corn--Wanda
0.0.1 Normal corn
0.1 Black Pine - Spazz
1.0 Eastern King-Ozy
1.0 Bearded Dragon - Gomer

More info would be helpful ie:temps high and low, are you feeding ft or live, is it going into shed cycle?
Assuming temps are good 80-85 hot side, 70 cool and shed cycle hasn't just started and your trying frozen thawed. I would suggest feeding one smaller pre-killed item and then trying your appropriate sized ft rat. I've had my adults not want to eat for as long as a month for no apparent reason and tried what I suggested and they were back to their usual selves. sometimes I think they need a little stimulation to wanna feed again. As far as getting hooked on one prey item i feed mine chicks eggs rats and mice and have never had problems.
Nate

We have found Blacks and Southerns to be prone to demanding live food sometimes. Try a live hopper or rat fuzzy, with plenty of paper/hiding area.
P&S Pituophis