Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had a WC broad-banded copperhead in my collection, and it had't eaten in over a year. I tried everything: raising the temps, lowering the temps, light, no light, humidity, no humidity, wild mice, frog scented mice, lizard scented mice, pinky mice, rat pups, stinky bloated mice, you name it. I even hibernated it last winter, figuting it would feed when it came out. NOthing. Talk about a lesson in frustration, watching the thing get skinnier and skinnier.
Last week, I put an 18 inch Lumichrome full spectrum light over the enclosure. I noticed the snake seemed more alert. Yesterday I put in a F/T hopper mouse, today the mouse is gone and the snake has a lump in it! FINALLY!
Anybody else have similar experiences using UV to get difficult feeders going?
Just goes to show after 30 years of working with hots, you're never too old to learn anything.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

I too have learned of this trick. Works well with eastern diamond backs that will not eat. I believe the high intensity of light makes them think it is spring time and mimics the brighter light that spring and summer brings with it. Dont have any scientific proof if that is correct, but do know that it works.
Congrats on the copper.
Ron

thank you for the idea, i recently purchased a w.c. broadbanded copperhead that so far hes refused to eat anything i have put in it's tank, so i will try this thanks again, amd merry x-mas, thamntl1