Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Help, my daughter received this 4 yr old eastern ornate for her birthday, it was shipped to us in Illinois a week ago. We've talked to the local retile house & a vet. We have proper housing and are trying to feed him. Him because he has a green head, we have trued earth worm, meal worms and red worms, I have added strawberries, tomatoes, & apples. He has buried himself and hides but his eyes are open and he sees me when I look for him. I don't want him to die, I've been toild once he starts to eat then he'll be fine. Should I sak him daily in warm water? I've been told not to touch him & he'll come out. How long should I wait

She still isn't used to her surroundings or is very shy. I would observe her in a manner where she can NOT see you in any way. When she begins to move around, drop/throw in a worm next to her WITHOUT her seeing you. I find that works with the "shy" boxie. I wouldn't worry about her too much yet. If she is indoors, You can also try to move her enclosure to a different location or even a brighter place. She just doesn't feel at home yet.

In his enclosure, put a shallow dish or lid 3 inches wide approx, one that he can climb in and out..with no more than 1/3 inches deep of aged water. Chop up the worms into fine pieces..really tiny...make sure there is heat from below in your enclosure. Cover all sides up to 8 inches high so you can look in but he can' t see out. give him enought light to see but not too bright. If necessary gently put him in the lid of water and chopped worms and back away, He'll eat...
Alon

I didn't read your post well. I thought it was an adult that you had for a week. What I do for 1 week old boxies is cut the worms into 1/8 bits, then into a clean plastic shoebox, place the hatchling in it with the bits of worms, then put it in a very "bright", "outdoor" place & just watch him for about 5 minutes. Bright outdoor light & warm weather with bits of worm gets them going every time for me. I do that every year with hatchlings and have been quite successful. Don't think I had any that refused to eat under those circumstances. Good Luck.

You did read it right the first time. She said a 4 yr old boxie that they've had for a week.

Boy, I am losing it.... It seems as if I can't read anymore. Gotta go back to elementary school and go back to the basics. Thanks for explaining something to me that doesn't need any explaining to the average person except I really needed it!