Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have three young westerns one of which I just got. The first two were feeding great-2x a week one on thawed, the other on pinkie and they went off feed like a light switch turning off. The new quite small hog has not eaten. The first two have not eaten in probably three weeks. They are in new rack cage that is about 85 degrees or so. I tried dipping pinkie for new hog in canned tuna oil but no interest. Any ideas on getting them to eat? Thanks-mark

I had the sam exact problem you are describing. I had 2 new westerns that wouldn't take anything for about the first 3 weeks I had them. One day one of them just started taking unscented f/t. After about 5 weeks and a few suggestions on this site, I went and bought a green anole. Rubbed the anole on a pinkie and it was like magic. But, of couse the wife and kids thought the anole was "cute" so now we have a pet anole who hopefully enjoys being rubbed on pink mice!
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Joe

Depending on your location, it's getting to be the right time of the year for brumation for the winter. That's one of the downsides to getting a snake late in the year....you never know if it's due to the season or the change in environment. Keep trying and just be patient.
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Robert Charvat
1.1 het albino Western Hognose

Another thing to try is cooling them for a month or so. Then bring them back and try. I have had that work a time or two.

you can try and brain the pinkies this has always helped me

Also, you should not use tuna oil, but tuna water only. The oil is not good for the animal.
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Jenea
Guardian Reptiles

"When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the grave" Author unknown

do not use tuna in oil use tuna packed in water! last year i had a hatching go from birth july 4-06 till jan 07 at 85 deg. on water only and it finely at. they are much more resilient than you think.