Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an adult Tiger Rat that won't eat.
I have had him for about three weeks and he is not interested in anything.
I have tried F/T rats/mice, live and F/T chicks.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I am assuming this is an adult wild caught (WC) tiger rat you just acquired. I have never kept them, but understand they are ususally good feeders. If it is a WC, it could be harboring parasites. I would take it to the vet for a parasite check, or at least do a precautionary treatment of flagyl and panacur to clean it up. Also, if WC, it could be just adjusting to the new environment and needs awhile to acclimate. Do you know if the tiger is captive bred or wild caught? Also, ask the seller what they were feeding it. Sometimes that helps. Do the usual check of temps, etc. as well.

Provide some input on your cage setup. It may be too cool, too cramped, or not enough hides to feel comfortable. Sometimes putting a hide box in with the animal helps considerably if keeping in a bare cage with just a water bowl.

I do agree with the poster above on providing more information on the animal and caging. I keep Spilotes and they can be tricky. You might need to be pretty skilled with your hemostats to tap into what they are telling you and keeping them visually interested in the food. This species also needs a pretty large thermogradient.

I do not agree with the above poster on treatment of parasites before you have a diagnosis. If parasites are a concern, start by having a fecal exam run and work from there. Throwing antibiotics in an animal before you know if there is something needing to be killed off is a terrible practice this hobby needs to drop.

SoLa, I agree that no animal should be treated without professional diagnosis. However, its all too common for folks to do this in the hobby due to the cost of the animal vs. cost of vet visit. At least with a home treatment, there is a chance that an animal that will probably never make it to a vet will have a chance to live and thrive.

Thanks for the replies. He is a WC recently purchased. The dealer had him eating rat pups. I have him in a 55 gal glass tank. Currently no hide box but branches to climb on. Water bowl, cypress bedding and above source heat at one end. Per your suggestions I will move him into a habitat that is enclosed on three sides with open front and give him several hiding places. He is about 7" long. The new habitat is 7' x 4' x 3'. He is very active and does not appear to be suffering with anything (mites, RI, etc.). Thanks for your help.

Sometimes just adding a couple of tight hides is all that is needed to give them a secure feeling and take the edge off. Before getting the new super habitat, add the hides now and even cover the three sides of the tank. No need to wait. Funny, but some WC ratsnakes will take small meals of immature rodents much smaller than they appear capable of eating. I have heard WC transpecos and other western rats are that way, along with some other WC asian species like mandarins.

Try tapping him lower down on his body w/a small adult mouse..thawed and at least at room temp..w/long forceps. Usually triggers an angry response which results in a strike and an automatic feeding response. Also, some African Soft Furred rats might be the ticket as they are really jumpy. Spilotes are sight hunters and react to erratic movements..none of mine ever ate a motionless thawed item at first..only after getting into a frenzy by tong-offered prey first. If I just threw in thawed items they'd just crawl right over them. As one author wrote, they prefer smaller items..especially when acclimating.

Bill

My female will sometimes get fussy w/ regards to eating non moving prey items. Move it around a little and she'll eat ft mice, rats, chicks (she really enjoys these) and even cut up peices of chicken (range fed of course). Always a little choas around feeding time as I keep the male and female together and usually feed them w/ tongs trying to wiggle the food in front of them.

Who was the dealer you got him from and what have they said?? This is an animal I really want to work with but I am going to hold out for a CB baby I can raise up myself. I have seen too many people posting about their fresh imports being amazing and then floundering over time.

I agree with the rest of the posters thoughts on hides, and comforting the animal with visual blocks. I would also suggest leaving food items in the cage without alerting the snake and allowing him to find it. Try introducing food in the early AM and again in the late afternoon.

Good Luck!

Jason