Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a question for you knowledgeable folks out there. I finally received my first Drymarchon two weeks ago, a pair of cb black tail cribos. The breeder assured me that they'd eaten at least five times before shipping, which I believe. After I received them, the male ate the first time food was offered and the female has yet to eat. I'm not that worried since she's not losing weight noticeably, but I was wondering how long they should go without food before I consider force feeding. I'm playing around with scenting now, so hopefully that will work, but I'd like to be prepared for every eventuality. Thanks.

I would firstly try to determine if the snake is going into a shedding phase. This alone will prevent a snake from eating where it would otherwise eat without hesitation. If you find that it is going to shed, it probably won't eat until after the shed.

I would definately recommend experimenting with scenting and other tricks before even attempting to force feed. Dean Alessandrini was successful in feeding a reluctant eastern hatchling by dipping a f/t pinkie into regular store bought chicken egg yolk. Just read some of the past postings. They are full of tricks and ideas.

Good luck

John

Where did you get these two black-tail's you speak of? The reason I ask is that I just purchased a male black-tail from a breeder who told me the same thing - that the little guy had eaten like a pig. I had him for over a month and he has not eaten anything... He did go through a shed, but even up to two weeks after the shed was over - he still wouldnt eat. The breeder is only about an hour drive away from me so I took the little guy back to see if he can get him eating. I purchased mine fro Captive Born Reptiles in Columbus, Ohio. The breeder, I am told, is one of the only breeders of the Black-tailed Indegos - thats why I ask.

Thanks,

Eric

Incidentally, I also got my cribos from Captive Born Reptiles. I live in California, though, and it isn't quite as easy for me to take them back to the shop. I've had no trouble with the male whatsoever. The female, which is not eating, shed about two days after I got her and has done her best to hide from me ever since. If you find the trick to getting them to eat, or the breeder passes any along to you, by all means share the wealth. Thanks.

My male did the same thing you are speaking of. A week or two after I got him he started to shed. I figured that was the reason he was not eating. I tried multiple times after the shed to feed him to no avail. Thats when I called Terry (the breeder)and asked his advise. He advised me that my set-up could be the problem. I had him in a 65 gal. tank with 2 hide spots and a water bowl, alpine shavings as bedding and absolutly NO HEAT. Terry re-iterated that to me many, many times. He said that the only heat these guys will need is in the dead of winter, other than that - just room temp is fine. He advised me to remove all of the bedding and if anything use shredded newspaper. I removed everything needless to say. with all of that done - he still would not eat. I was just getting worried about the poor guy since he was so young and not eating. Thats when Terry offered to take him home to his house and try to get him eating again. But when he sold him to me - he insured me that he was eating like a pig. I'm just hoping for the best and if Terry gives me any more info - I'll be sure to let you know.

>>Incidentally, I also got my cribos from Captive Born Reptiles. I live in California, though, and it isn't quite as easy for me to take them back to the shop. I've had no trouble with the male whatsoever. The female, which is not eating, shed about two days after I got her and has done her best to hide from me ever since. If you find the trick to getting them to eat, or the breeder passes any along to you, by all means share the wealth. Thanks.

What have you tried so far? As stated above, if they are going into shed, they probably won't eat until after they shed. If they are growing normally and being fed the proper amounts, they will shed evey 3 to 4 weeks for the first year or so.

Some things to try:

1. split-nose pinkies (split the head so that some of the brain is exposed)
2. Scenting pinkies with fish (you can use the "juice" from a can of tuna for this)
3. Scenting pinkies with egg (plain old chicken egg)
4. Live minnows or goldfish (just to get a meal in them)
5. put the hatchling into a deli cup with the pinkie and leave it alone overnight. Many times if they can't get away from it, they will eat it.
6. use the deli cup trick above with a live and active pinkie.
7. If you have hatchling Corn Snakes or something similar available they will often take snakes when nothing else works. You can also use the snake to scent the pinkies if you have one frozen.

Assist feeding or force-feeding should be a last resort, but use it before the snake becomes too weak to eat if necessary. Above all, make sure the baby is drinking water. They will dehydrate very quickly. I give them water with a 2cc syringe (minus the needle, of course). If they are thirsty, they will readily drink from the tip of the syringe.
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We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Just wanted to let you know that I talked to Terry tonight and I mentioned the problems you were having with your female. He wanted me to tell you to contact him for some "need to know information". He said he will be out of town tomorrow (Tuesday) but will ba back on the following day. I'm sure you have his number, but incase you don't it is listed on his web site - http://capbornreptiles.brinkster.net/

One thing he did want me to let you know is about the heat... NO HEAT what so ever. I hope that he can get things straitened out for you.

Good Luck,

Eric