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Brumating a non-eating hatchling

Passport Nov 23, 2003 01:02 PM

I heard from someone that when a hatchling is refusing to eat that sometimes breeders will brumate at 55deg for about two weeks and when the hatchling comes out and warms up many times eats normally and with a big appetite. Is this true? Do any of you breeders use this method to encourage a non-feeder? I have a small male MBK that I purchased a week ago at a reptile show. I have read about this species and they are supposed to be opportunistic feeders. He is refusing to eat. Last Sunday I offered him a f/t pinkie, no go. Last night I offered him a live pinkie only to be refused again. This little guy is not skinny but I don't believe he has ever eaten. (could be wrong about that- just a hunch) I contacted the breeder and he thought maybe something might be wrong with my husbandry. Everything for this little guy is right on the money and he is kept as are all my other little ones from this year. Any suggestions?

Replies (1)

duffy Nov 23, 2003 06:02 PM

I just put a hatchling in the basement to brumate after many attempts by myself and the breeder to get it to eat. I read a post on one of these forums recently that suggested that at least one person has had some success with this. I would say that if you just got your snake a week ago, you probably want to give it more time and try some other ideas before brumating, however. Have you tried cutting the head off of a pinky yet?
That sometimes pushes the right button. Good luck. Duffy

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