Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Dill hasn't been eating lately.
I'm getting worried, as she is refusing her favourite foods.
Mulberry leaves are being ignored completely, which is SHOCKING!
Pea baby food...ignored.
cantaloupe melon...ignored.
Pothos...ignored.

I don't know what is happening with her to put her off of her food. She doesn't seem to be in any obvious distress.
She hasn't been using her "potty" bowl (although she has done her business on my couch, and on the floor of her enclosure)...nor has she been using her soaking bowl.
This has been going on for over a week now.
The outdoor temperatures have really been quite cool here lately, therefore the indoor temps have been cooler as well.
Would this play a part in the appetite change? It's also not been as humid, obviously, either.
She does not appear to be losing any weight. If I get a chance, I will post a picture of her tomorrow.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks everyone!
-----
Kim

SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)

Location: LEE/1.

Kim,

Our Corucia here will sometimes fast in the wintertime with decreased photoperiod/temperature and humidity. This is usually noted when brought indoors during the rare cold periods down here. What temperatures are you dealing with presently? Does Dill look like she is about to shed? A big problem with indoor winter heating is the incredibly low humidity that results. The relative humidity can drop to near zero under certain circumstances. I remember staying in an apartment in Buffalo, N.Y. where the outside temp was below zero and the humidity was so low that large visible blue stepped leaders (Carpet shocks)were produced between my hand and the doornob. My hands and feet split and bled from the low humidity. The point is check your humidity. Purchase a RELIABLE (there are many garbage ones) humidity gauge. If the humidity is low, use a humidifier which should definately make a difference. Experiment with variety, if things continue, also try to introduce some food to her mouth and see if she will take it the rest of the way. Keep me posted please on her progress.

Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC

Is this a MTS? If it is I just bought a wild adult that I was concerned about for a couple of days. Then I tried giving it baby food that comes in the jar. I put some peas in a syringe and let him lick it as I slowly pushed it out to its lips. I did this for a couple of times trying bannanna and other flavores and it ate all quite well. After a few days of this it is now eating romaine, bannannas, peas, carrots and more on its own if I place the food up high on one of its perches. I think the trick is to give it plenty of security and leave it alone till it is eating good. Good luck.