Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my snake shed on saturday and defecated as much as a cow, and i tried feeding him yesterday and today but he is not eating...usually he is a super aggressive eater and eats out of my hand, but for some reason he seems scared of the rat and unaware that it is even a rat...i dunno what going on so if anyone has advice or suggestions, they will be greatly appreciated....

Apep thanks you too..
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How large and how old is the boa?

Is it male or female?

Has the boa experienced any recent temperatures changes?

Describe the stool. Was it a compact semi solid turd, a pile of glop, or a liquid mess?

What was the color of the feces and did it have a more foul smell than usual?

Any change in the boas recent behavior other than not eating?
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Jared Douglas

he is a 5 month old red tail, a little over two feet long.

temperature has been normal and constant and the feces was normal in texture except there was like triple the amount in two different areas of the cage, thats the only abnormality since he wont eat.
he also seems scared and flinches a lot as if hes in the cloudy eye stage before shedding...but he shed shed already and is ok....i dont get it.
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What are the temps on your hot and cool side?

What is the humidity in you cage?

Everything else sounds normal so maybe he is just stressed. Try leaving him alone for 3-5 days then attempt to feed him again.
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Jared Douglas

In 3-5 days try leaving the frozen thawed in the cage with him. Feed him at night and leave it in there. Don't force it in his face or follow him around the cage with it, just place it close to him genlty and then leave it. If he does not eat it by morning discard it and clean the area of the cage where the food item was laying. Wait another 3-5 days and try to feed again. This time place the boa in a deli cup or small bowl that he fits into snugly with the lid on. Make sure you poke holes in it so he can get air. Place the frozen thawed rat in with him after dark and wait again till morning. In both of these instances you could "brain" the food item which means to cut into its head to expose the brain. Or you can squeeze the head and usually some fluid comes out the nose. The smell of this may entice the boa to eat. If he refuses inthese two instances I would try again atleast 3 more times before considering force feeding.
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Jared Douglas

well the hot side is 82 ish and the cold is about 75.
humidity isnt really monitered ince i haven't had problems till now...but its been the same since i got him (constant)

i really appreciate all your help Jared... thanks
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I would by a humidty gauge to test the humidty. It should be around 60%. If it is too high or low this can lead to respiratory problems and dehydration. Aquariums are notorious for having too low of humidity. If he is dehydrated he may not eat.

Your hot side temps should be around 88-92 and the cool side should be around 80-84. I personally use 83 cool side and 90 hot side. Using a digital thermometer that reads out and in temps will allow you to constantly monitor the temps on each end of the cage.
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Jared Douglas