Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a blonde Madagascar Hognose that is having an eating issue. I havent had him for very long, so I supposed he may still be adjusting, but he has gotten settled in nicely otherwise, so I would imagine he should be comfortable enough to eat. Anywho...the breeder I bought him from claimed he was feeding on small live rats, and we have offered live and f/t rats and mice. I would really rather have him feeding on rodents than anoles, but If I need to feed him anoles than I guess thats what I'll need to do. I'm going to hold of a few more weeks before offering him an anole, so if anyone has any suggestions for how to get him to take the rodents, I would appreciate any help. Thanks in advance!!!!

I've had a giant mad hog for the last 4 years and he always goes off feed starting around Nov/Dec and usually doesn't resume until March/April. Maybe yours is currently "off"?

I havent really thought of that. I know a lot of snakes do that, and it would make sense. He really is pretty healthy and active and very alert, so I'm not really worried, just trying to be pro-active about the situation. I appreciate the input!!!

Hello--
Having kept both Leioheterodon modestus and geayi, I can only share my experience. Once established, they will accept f/t rodents. They tend to like multiple smaller food items, rather than one or two larger items. I've had quicker success offering rat pinks or fuzzies rather than mice. When offered on tongs/forceps, they tend to be cautious--tasting the air before approaching the food item. The most interesting aspect of feeding I've found is that they seem to like me keeping the rodent steady in the forceps until a firm grasp has been established. The animal pushes against the rodent with the rostral scale, then opens it's mouth to grab it in one motion.

If your animal is an import that has not had a fecal exam, I urge you to get one done since they can be heavily parasitized; may be a reason for non-feeding.

Patience is the key to establishing them. Tending to be shy by nature, feeling comfortable in the enclosure is an important first step. Then trusting you. It just takes time.
Best of luck--they are neat captives!
rgds,
althea

Thank you for the input! I will try fuzzies next time. Luckily we have other snakes that gladly clean up leftovers.

Once he leaves me a BM I was going to get him checked for parasites, but since he hasnt eater, he hasnt left anything behind yet. We do this with most of our new animals just to be pro-active, for $10-12 it is a small price to maintain a good healthy animal.

Patience is the key. You may have to sit there with the food item on the forceps for any hour before he'll be comfortable enough to approach it. Just keep it at his level(don't offer it from above), nose first. Let me know if you make any progress.
This really is a shy species, yet gentle and curious once comfortable. Quite worth the initial effort.
rgds,
althea