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Shedding and Eating Question

jonnymaz Sep 16, 2003 12:03 PM

I have a question about feeding while shedding.

Last night we tried to feed our 3 1/2 month old female. This was our first attempt switching from f/t fuzzies to f/t hoppers. She struck at it, but didn't coil around it like she did with the fuzzies. She dragged it back under her hide but didn't eat it. Could it be that it was too big for her and she decided not to eat it? Should I go back to fuzzies for a while until she gets a little bigger? The hoppers are about the same width that she is. Any suggestions for feeding her 2 fuzzies at the same time (she seems hungry after 1 fuzzy every 5 days)?

To add to this. I woke up this morning and her eyes we blue. How long should I expect until she sheds? Should I still try to feed her while her eyes are blue? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Additional info.....

10 gallon glass tank
92 degrees basking
84 degrees ambient air
60-70% humidity
about 18" long
not sure on the weight

thanks again...
jon

Replies (3)

J35J Sep 16, 2003 12:27 PM

Most ball pythons will eat bigger than a fuzzy their first feed. At 3 and a half months they should be on adult mice. Some snakes will eat during a shed but it seems that alot won't. I wouldn't even bother with the hassle of seeing if your snake will eat during shed, just wait until he/she sheds and then feed. But your snake more than likely needs a bigger food item than a fuzzy! An ideal meal would be 1 food item that gives your snake a lump in the belly for a day or even two. If you don't see a lump or if it disappears in a couple hours after eating you probably should get a bigger food item for it next time. But like I said most of my hatchling balls eat hoppers from the get go.

J35J Sep 16, 2003 12:29 PM

....about when will she shed, The shedding process from when you first notice the dull color and opaque eyes is about 1 week.

Jason

ecb Sep 17, 2003 09:00 AM

Up the humididty a bit this week
I damp up the substrate on the warm side, and fluff it up as well for my daughters snake.
but I use a fogger at ngith for my Mountain Dragon, and my daughter wants to use that for the next shed
JHMO
-----
Elizabeth (ecb)

Make this world a better and more beautiful place that You have been in it
*Edward W Bok*

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