My juvy Yellow Rat is refusing to eat. I believe the last time he ate was 2 1/2 weeks ago and he only ate ONE pinkie when he usually will eat 2-3 a sitting every 7-10 days. I have left the pinkies/fuzzies in the tank with him for several days and he doesn't touch them. The temp.has NOT changed and has been around 80-84 degrees on the warm side and a few degrees lower on the cool side. Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks for the help in advance!!
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My Yellow Rat refuses to eat! Any sugestions?
sullman
Sep 22, 2003 10:28 PM
Replies (1)
michaelb
Sep 24, 2003 04:52 AM
Two possibilities come to mind: 1] stress, and 2] mating season.
Stress and improper temperature are the two most common causes, but it obviously isn't temperature. Has it shown any behavioral changes lately? (More or less active than usual, grumpier, etc.)Try putting a temporary cover over the tank (towel, blanket) to give him more privacy. Sometimes that's all it takes.
Rat snakes can have a second mating season in late summer/early fall. If your yellow rat is a male, he may have other priorities right now! If that's the case, he should begin feeding again soon - once the other "urge" has passed.
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MichaelB
