I recently got a spider from a local pet store and I am having diffculty feeding it, due to the fact that it is just too shy. I have had it eat twice for me in the past 4 or 5 weeks, but it seems that the simple act of opening of latch on the tank or even moving a little too quickly outside the cage spooks it and causes it to refuse to eat.
I wouldn't be too overly concerned save for the fact that it is a young snake and recently it seems to be more interested in exploring the food item than actually eating it. I've left a rat in the tank with it an am hoping to see that it has magically disapeared by tomorrow, but I really doubt that it will.
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What to do about a shy snake
leo_boy
Dec 11, 2010 12:58 AM
Replies (5)
BuzzardBall
Dec 11, 2010 08:24 AM
The fact that you got a spider from a pet store, kills me! Do you have hides in w/it????
jason
Dec 11, 2010 08:47 AM
If you can post photos of the snake and it's set up, as well as letting us know it's temps (hot side and cool side), it would allow us to better help you.
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Watever
Dec 11, 2010 09:17 AM
VERIFY YOUR TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY !
That's the key.
It could have eaten first cause his condition were good or wasn't affected about them yet.
Give him some hides or remove them if you put some. (Depending on how big is the terrarium).
You need to let him relax, stop watching him or taking him out every time.
But really, when a snake is not eating, it's 99% of the times due to improper captive care. (temperature and humidity).
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love this world, don't hate it.
leo_boy
Dec 12, 2010 03:31 AM
I think my temps are ok because I have another ball that is doing fine, I think maybe the snake is spooked because my friend tried to force feed it. Since then it will not strike at a rat, only investigate it. What can I do to make it start striking again?
Bolitochrome
Dec 13, 2010 03:38 PM
The best thing is to give it time. Especially with cold weather coming on, I would tentatively offer food once a week, or even every other week until spring. Recheck all of your environmental indicators in the Spring and try feeding again with a variety of species and sizes of food items. There are lots of "tricks" you could try, but the only for sure is time, especially if the animal has been traumatized by force feeding.
Your friend knows it is relatively common for BPs to go *months* without eating, correct?
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Lincoln, NE
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