Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My 1 year old (as of 1 week ago) "snow" bullsnake has become anorexic for the last couple months. As of March she was up to eating 3 large mice and even ate a small rat one time but since early April she's only been taking one mouse at a time (one time 2) and sometimes won't eat at all. I try to feed every 7 days or so and have even had to wait up to 14 to get her to take 1 mouse. She absolutely ignores rats and though she will take live she gets bit every time I try it and I don't want to push my (or her) luck. She is afraid of (or annoyed by) dead mice waved with tongs and I've tried both dipping in chicken broth and offering her apparent favorite color (white) to no avail. Should I worry?
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Amor et Lux,
Ron

"The gods tolerate the human race for no other reason than our talent for bullsh1t. It's the only thing about us that doesn't bore them to tears" Tom Robbins "Villa Incognito"

could be temperature related. what are you keeping her at? high 70's are more than enough. or you could try stunning your mice before feeding your snake as this way they still move a little but are much easier for the snake to control. also, tearing open the throat of a dead prey animal often will prove irresistable for problem feeders.......best of luck w/ her!

I always find this recipe works well.

PLace the animal in box that is nice and cozy in size, not to large (I use cereal boxes). Place a few live crawler rats or crawler mice in with them and close the lid so neither can get out. Leave them alone for a few hours then check. If temps are right and the snake is healthy, they have always taken the items offered. Using the crawlers gives live but prevents injury to the snake. If they take them, then try a little larger item and pre-killed. If they refuse, try the crawlers again with a pre-killed item at the same time, usually you can get them going again.

If there is noticeable weight loss, I would quarrantine the animal and have it checked by a good herp vet.

good luck and let us know how it goes.

dc

My 1 year old (as of 1 week ago) "snow" bullsnake has become anorexic for the last couple months. As of March she was up to eating 3 large mice and even ate a small rat one time but since early April she's only been taking one mouse at a time (one time 2) and sometimes won't eat at all. I try to feed every 7 days or so and have even had to wait up to 14 to get her to take 1 mouse. She absolutely ignores rats and though she will take live she gets bit every time I try it and I don't want to push my (or her) luck. She is afraid of (or annoyed by) dead mice waved with tongs and I've tried both dipping in chicken broth and offering her apparent favorite color (white) to no avail. Should I worry?

Hey Ron,

My opinion is this....if she is one year old and has been eating 3 large mice at one time ( assuming every 7 days ), that may have been too much and now she is telling you that. This is from I have gathered from your info on your post.

People's opinions may vary on this topic, how much to feed. How big are these mice????

Pits can be total chow hounds, and even though they can eat a lot in one setting...overall it may not be good for them. You get accustomed to them eating like that and then when they stop, it is natural to worry of course.

I can see feeding two at the most, but three may have been pushing it. Her actions may be telling you that she only wants to eat one now, and not as often. I have pits that would eat my whole foot if I let them, and some that will not eat more than what I give them. My biggest pine only eats every week and a half to two weeks and refuses any rats sooner. My adult pits normally eat every two weeks and my younger ones once a week.

I wouldn't worry about it since she is still eating. Also....what are her temps? Sometimes temps too hot or cold can cause this as well. For me, 78-82 works great.

Take care and I hope this helps. Keep us posted!!!!!!

Billy
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Genesis 1:1