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I got a pair of black racers about two weeks ago from a guy that didn't want them any more after getting them from a local pet shop...they bit too much Anyway, I had a juvenile yellow-bellied racer when I was in high school and it was the coolest snake I've ever had so I was delighted to take them off his hands. This pair came to me in terrible condition...mites and the female had a broken tail (my guess is someone got careless closing the lid in a panic) that required amputation.

So now that the background is dealt with on to my question...

I am having a hard time getting these snakes to eat. It concerns me some as they're supposed to have pretty high metabolism. I've tried getting them to eat thawed hopper mice, but to no avail. I have a bit of a problem feeding live hoppers (which I'm sure would be more persuasive) as they girlfriend is totally against it So I'm wondering if there's any suggestions from the community out there as to how to get these snakes feeding. I suppose if I have to I'll just have to go behind the girlfriend's back and feed live for a while until I can get them eating frozen.

Any help would be great.

I've never heard of them being started on frozen. These things are attracted to movement, which means they need living, moving prey, preferably something fast. They also are very shy feeders, so try my tried and true method. Wait until they're in a hide (provide them with a large one), throw a live pink or two into the hide, then leave the room. Don't watch them eat, it'll only freak them out. They are inherently nervous snakes, also very intuitive and intelligent. They stress easily at that size. That's my advice, if that doesn't work, try crickets or a small lizard.

Kevin

Are your racers otherwise fairly active?...just wondered if they are off their food due to the season.

regards Paul

I'll try a live fuzzy. And as far as activity goes they mosty stay in their hide box, occassionally sticking their head out. They're not losing any weight, I've been weighing them weekly.

If it was me ,I might be tempted to slowly cool them down to about 11oC for a few weeks and then gradually warm them up as Spring arrives and see if this 'fires them into action'...as I'm sure your aware they need good weight before you try this.If this works then at least you know where you are with them as regards to their biological clock.

kind regards Paul

Thanks for the suggestions, they were helpful. As far as cooling them...I considered it, but decided against it as I was having to medicate the female daily due to the tail amputation and they didn't have the weight I don't think.
Proud to announce that about two weeks ago though I tossed a a hopper in their cages and left them for a while (have tried this twice before with no real interest so the corn snake got a rare treat...live mice lol). About 10 minutes later I heard thrashing and cries from the mice...success! They have repeated this weekly now. I'd like to get them started on frozen/thawed as soon as possible though (it's easier on me and less distasteful to my girlfriend).
Just curious about how others have gone about this?