Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 9 week old Asian Water monitor, that until five days ago, was eating two thawed pinkies every day, and on occasion he would even take a third. I would dangle them in front of him with tongs, or drag them around the enclosure, and he would jump on the mice right away. However, about five days ago, he stopped taking the thawed pinkies. I have been feeding him a dozen plus crickets a day, which he devours almost instantly. He isn't coughing excessively and is extremly active, so I don't think he has a resp infection. What do yo all think?? Is it possible he no longer is attracted to pre-killed prey?? Why would he just stop showing interest in the pinkies??

When you say he isn't coughing excessively, does that mean that he in fact is coughing, but just not alot? If he is coughing, what exactly does that mean? They will snort quite a bit, but you don't want is eyes that constantly look like they will close, clogged up or bubbly nostrils, runny eyes or mouth or general lethargy. If in doubt, raise the ambients to around 85-90 day and night for a week or two and make sure your basking is up around 120-130. As far as food choices go, sometimes they can be picky. Try a f/t fuzzy or crawler and see if he goes for that. Sometimes, hair is the key. Alternatively, try a live pinky or fuzzy as sometimes movement will stimulate a much stronger feeding response. Good luck. Billy

>>I have a 9 week old Asian Water monitor, that until five days ago, was eating two thawed pinkies every day, and on occasion he would even take a third. I would dangle them in front of him with tongs, or drag them around the enclosure, and he would jump on the mice right away. However, about five days ago, he stopped taking the thawed pinkies. I have been feeding him a dozen plus crickets a day, which he devours almost instantly. He isn't coughing excessively and is extremly active, so I don't think he has a resp infection. What do yo all think?? Is it possible he no longer is attracted to pre-killed prey?? Why would he just stop showing interest in the pinkies??