Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I tried searching the archives but couldn't find anything. Here is the problem, I rescued an Albino Burm on Aug. 14th, the snake is alittle on the thin size, not bad though. I waited one week, to give her a settling in period during which she shed before feeding. The heat and humidity in her cage are as perfect as can be. When offered the 2lb. rabbit, the snake is around 8 ft long she seemed interested at first but just tasted the rabbit with her tongue and left it alone. I had to take the rabbit out after awhile because she wouldn't eat. I tried again this week with a large rat with the same results. All prey is frozen thawed. My other Burm eats like a champ. It has been one month since I' ve had her and she hasn't eaten, she has shed and drinks water, I just don't want anything bad to happen. Any IDEAS or suggestions on how to get her to eat. Sorry so long and Thank you in advance. Scott

If you have a source to obtain them find a couple of small chickens. I have never had a snake turn down any fowl. They absolutley love it. If this works then you can try to switch them to rabbits after a few meals, or it is suitable to keep it on a pure chicken diet.
Also, have you thought about taking a fecal sample in to the vets to ensure that there are no parasites. Sometimes that will have a strong effect on their feeding. Todd

Just something to think about,

You said you rescued her right, maybe who ever had her was feeding only live or p/k. She might not see the F/T as food.

Just an idea, hope you get her to feed.

I am trying to find that out. I might go the pre-killed route if I have to I don't want to feed live. Scott

I hadn't thought about the chickens, I've feed them before when my other Burm was smaller. Do you cut the legs and beak off? I was told to do this when I fed a smaller snake because of possible digestion problems. The snake hasn't pooped yet, just peed. I am starting to get worried about that also. Thanks. Scott

I would try feeding her live just to get some food in her.Then
try getting her to eat f/t.I had to start with live with mine and then started frozen after he got on a regular feeding.

I would only worry about the spurs on the roosters if they are pretty large. If they are big then you can either cut off the spur or the whole feet. I wouldn't worry about the beaks at all. I haven't had any problems with them. The biggest thing I have noticed with chickens is the fact that the shaft of the feathers doesn't get digested and gets excreted in the waste.
As far as the infrequent bowel movements I wouldn't worry about it. Smaller snakes tend to "poop" less often becuse their bodies are utilizing more of the prey and less goes to waste. Todd