Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just got my first milksnake about a month ago and I've noticed her color fading from bright red to a duller red/brown. She's only eaten once for me and has just shed her first skin, right after I put a "cave" in her cage. Anything I shoud be concerned with here? She handles well but doesn't seem real active. She usually hides or burrows in her bedding. I have an under the tank heater on one side.

How old is she? I noticed that my baby milks shed about once a month or so, depending on how often they eat. Remember to increase her humidity now for the shed.
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phflame

I'm having trouble getting her to eat as well. She's only eaten one pinkie in a month. Is that normal? I don't want to starve her but she's been offered many times.

can you describe your set-up? Size of cage, temps, substrate, hide boxes, etc. And how have you been feeding her? In the cage or out? Live or frozen/thawed?
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phflame

She's small, about 12" now and in a 10 gallon aquarium with undertank heater on one side. She was ample water and a "cave" that she enjoys hiding in. She just shed on Monday and was much more active today. I guess I'll just keep offering the frozen, brained pinkies but should I try something else? I'd like to get her growing some but that won't happen without eating. I usually put her in a tupperware container to try and feed her. Any thoughts?

You can try teasing her with the pinky, by gently waving in front of her or by tapping her VERY gently on her side. Don't tap on her head, as that will freak her out. Instead take the thawed pinky in tongs or forceps and tap her gently right below where her shoulders would be, if she had any arms. You said that she won't eat in the deli cup? You can try putting her and the pinky into a brown lunch bag and folding down the top and taping it, then put the whole thing back into her tank and leave it there undisturbed overnight.
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sue