Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My emerald was kept in high humidity conditions, went to vet for a shot of meds for skin roit. Now he is not eating. How long should I let go until force feeding?

Hi,
Hopefully you have lowered your humidity. Are you measuring the humidity in any way? If so, what percentage is it at? What kind of shot did the vet give? Too much humidity can also cause respiratory infections, which can also cause an ETB to not eat. Listen when all else is quiet and make sure you aren't hearing any snap, crackle, pop noises (think Rice Krispies with milk). Get him to move around some too and listen. If you hear those noises or notice mucus in the mouth or excessive yawning, he needs to go back to vet.

How long to wait depends on what kind of condition the ETB is in and what kind of meds vet gives/has given. You need to ask vet if you need to wait before feeding as some antibiotics are very toxic to the kidneys and you don't need stress of food digestion/excretion added. If the ETB is an adult in good condition with good body weight, he can go several months without eating. If he is younger, it depends on age, weight, etc.

Don't go overboard on lowering humidity though, that will also cause problems. You need to have around 80% humidity in the day, with a drop to around 60% at night. The cage should not be "wet" all the time. There should be a drying out period, usually overnight.

If he doesn't have a respiratory infection and is just being difficult about feeding because of stress, there is one thing that almost always works. ETBs love dwarf hamsters, they apparently are like candy to them. It's an expensive meal, but pretty much always works. It seems to work best with a live one. If he refuses the hamster, then there is probably something else wrong that you aren't catching.

Good luck.
Karen Clark
Gems of the Rainforest

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