Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i bought my snake a couple of weeks ago. i've tried feeding him once a week after that but he would not eat. i've tried live and frozen. the temp in the tank is 85 on the hot side and 75 on the cool side. i've left him in a container over night. i've tried piercing the frozen pinky's head and smeared the blood on its face. when i bought the snake it had fed once. it has all its hiding spots in the tank and its in a quiet place. i'm stuck and i need help. its been 2 weeks and he hasn't eaten. there are no signs of shedding. what else can i do?

Keep tryin' ...Two weeks for a new snake is not that bad. Another variation of what you've tried would be a decapitated (headless) frozen/thawed. If that does not work, try just the head and squeeze it enough to get some of the brain juice to ooze out the back. MMMMM! Just thinkin' about it makes me hungry! Try all of the above in a deli cup. Good luck.

thanks duffy i'll try that

If you still cannot get it to eat and it's starting to get thin, you can GENTLY force feed it bits of pinkies (like feet and tails) or small parts of adult mouse tail. They like it if you shave the fur of a bit with a sharp knife. I have heard of this being done with success, but you have to remember to be extremely gentle, and do not over feed- it can go into shock...
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1.1 argentine b/w tegus
1.0 anery corn
0.1 western hog
0.1 leopard gecko
1.1 blue headed tree agama
0.0.1 ball python
0.0.1 western fox
And always looking for more!!

You might want to try stimulating it with a live pinkie mouse, or by leaving it alone in a small container with the mouse- a plastic jar with plenty of ventilation holes would work. Put some paper towel in with it so it and its food item can be alone and in private. My own corn will no eat if people are watching...
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1.1 argentine b/w tegus
1.0 anery corn
0.1 western hog
0.1 leopard gecko
1.1 blue headed tree agama
0.0.1 ball python
0.0.1 western fox
And always looking for more!!

You are very welcome. I hope one of the above methods works out for you. Sometimes, what is required most is patience. My personal opinion is that "force-feeding" should be the farthest thing from your mind right now. Your snake may not eat this week, or even next, but keep trying variations on the "bloody pinky" theme...and I think you will get him to eat without EVER having to force him. Again, good luck. Duffy

thanks for the replies guys. i will update you with the progress.