Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I bought a female baby Western hognose (her name is Alice) approx. a month ago. She has ate one pinkie mouse since I got her and that was 2 weeks ago. Now she won't eat, I have tried pinkies several times and all she does is hiss at them. She will hide in her little spot and now I believe she is shedding. (Her eyes are cloudy). Is this normal for a baby or is she stressed out and if so what do I do?

Steve

If she is cloudy it can be expected that she will refuse meals... I have hogs that slow down, or stop, feeding before they shed.

Hopefully she will begin feeding for you after she sheds.
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-Ross Payan - www.LeosAnonymous.com

Leos Anonymous

Ball Pythons, Red Striped Leos, W.Hognose and Screaming AFT's

I'm hoping that it's something as simple as that. I know I had a time getting her to eat her first pinkie (she ate it after she grabbed a piece of raw bacon off me) but I have tried all sorts of things from putting her into a seperate smaller box to anything to entice her. Like I said it has been 2 weeks tomorrow since she ate and this is my first snake and I worry for her.

I wouldn't worry too much at this point. Just patiently wait until your hog sheds, and then try again. Since this is your first snake, I should point out that even if she doesn't eat for a month (or longer), she won't die because of lack of food. Certainly wait until after she sheds to try feeding again. If she still won't eat, don't offer food every day. Three days between offerings is a good rule. Western hogs are generally pretty good about taking mice. If you're still having problems after a couple of weeks, you may need to try some scenting techniques. Let us know how it works out. Shane

I'll try that. It took a day or 2 for her to eat the first but when she ate it she did beautifully. I'll see how it goes after shedding. THe only problem I have now with the scenting technique is that it's almost winter here and can't find a toad at all. We've been having all sorts of crazy temps, hot one day freezing the next. I'll keep ya'll informed and thanks again.

Steve