Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I purchased an albino ruthven about 3 weeks ago and she keeps refusing food. Her previous owner said she had eaten a week before I got her, and I figure she didnt get to be 2 feet or so by being a picky eater. Ive tried live and frozen, shes just not interested. She's becoming lethargic and I dont want to lose another animal to feeding problems (I just recently lost two scarlets b/c I was fooled by the seller, who said they were 10 in. eating pinks, when they were really 4 and would only take lizards)Please please please help me so I dont have to see another animal suffer.

give your non-feeder a 3-4 hr pedialyte bath at 75 degrees, then do not bother her for 24 hrs, after that try one of usual feeding stratigies with as less stress as possible. pedialyte is also good for re-hydrating re-gurgers.
Always remember that some snakes don't have a bright future in captivity. Good Luck.

hmmmm a snake shouldnt be lethargic after only missing 3 weeks of feedings. Something else is going on as snakes can go quite sometime between feedings without getting lethargic. I would suggest a Vet visit or you going to lose that snake. Also get in touch with the person you purchased it from and let him know all that you are doing and whats goping on. He may have something going on in his collection.

Keith
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the book called, What's Wrong With My Snake by John Rossi D.V.M.,M.A. it is very inexpensive, Good Luck again.