Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a six month old Centralian that I purchased in December that hasn't eaten yet. I think it was the jump from a tupperware container as a cage to a 20 gallon tank. He sniffs at the food, but won't eat it. According the the breeder, he was eating f/t before I picked him up. I know there are lots of variables, but is it due to the larger cage, and not feeling secure? I have two clay pot saucers as hides. I've tried both mice and rats, and ignores both (of varying sizes). Thanks for the input...

I think I can help you out here, since I had the same problem with my young bredli.

It is *definitely* the jump to the larger cage. At 6 months, some bredli are still extremely nervous feeders. I would keep your juvenile in the tupperware container (or, if necessary, a *slightly* larger one) until it is eating regularly. At feeding time (preferably just before you go to bed,) leave a f/t rodent in the tupperware container with the snake, turn off the lights, and leave the room. Check to see if it's there the next day. If yes, remove it, and try again in a week.

I'm confident it will start to eat if you follow this procedure, as it worked for two of my problem feeders.

-John

John,

I downsized the cage, and it worked like a charm! He finally ate a mouse. I can't believe it. Thanks for the help. I'll be keeping him in this cage for awhile. Both Centralians are doing great now. Thanks again!