Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just picked up a female 07 pueblan on the 15th to go with my 06 male. Also got an 07 Thayeri and 07 Alterna for my males. The Thayeri and Alterna ate on the first try. I have tried the pueblan twice and both times she has refused. It's weird because you can tell she is established as she is about 11-12 inches already and solid. Breeder claims she was eating both F/t and live. I have only tried f/t. Should I try live? My male Thayeri will only eat live. Maybe this is what she prefers. Any help will be appreciated.

It really depends on when she last ate, but I would try waiting another week or so to make SURE she is really hungry. Then offer her another F/T with a pair of tweezers.

Move VERY slowly when you first approach her with it, so she doesn't "spook". Then give it some interesting little wiggle action like it would move if it was alive. This often triggers a feeding response.

If that doesn't do it, try "braining" a dead pink by slicing the top of the head with a razor blade, and gently squeeze some brain material out and smear some all over the pinks face. If this works, after several meals, you can begin to offer pinks without being "brained".

Some snakes on the other hand, will only accept live(I have a few). They are really attracted to the irratic movement of the prey. Also, the breathe of the prey is probably very attractive to the snake as well.

After a while of feeding it live pinks, you will probably be able to switch over to F/T, and the snake will associate the scent as being attractive.

best regards, ~Doug
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

Doug
Thanks for the info. From the looks of her, I am thinking that you may be correct in that she may not be hungry. I will try her again next week.