Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I obtained a 6' green in November who has not voluntarily eaten. I have tried F/T chicks, live rats, F/T rats, pre-killed rats, Braining, leaving food overnight, placing in a separate/secured enclosure, ect..... He/she has showed a little interest at times.

This snake is apparently health. Looks very good, and is not underweight (I have done monthly force-feed). The enclosure is 8'X3.5', properly heated, large water tub, properly ventilated, ect.....

I am to the point of placing him/her on a prolonged fast. Would 3 months of not offering a meal to a normal weight 6' green be appropriate?? How often should I handle it so that it doesn't stagnate? At one point it didn't move for three days until I handled it. But again, it is apparently in good health--tongue flicking, hydrated, ect...

Please, anybody with experience with non-neonatal green anacondas give me some insight.

You did not mention if you had a hide in the cage, and that would be very important. I see two things I think you are doing that could easily be delaying voluntary feeding with this green. I would definitely stop the force-feeding as this is extremely stressful, and can easily cause this snake to never feed voluntarily. The other would be to not move it to another enclosure for feeding. Greens are very shy and this handling and movement to another unit can easily keep it off feed. I would only interact with it when absolutely necessary until it starts feeding. Once a week, leave f/t chicks in the cage just before lights out and leave overnight. Live chicks would be best if possible, but I know that is not feasible for many. Do not have any other unnecessary contact with it at this time. If in good health, it could easily go 6 months without feeding before it becomes an issue. Good luck and keep us posted on the progress.

Kelly

Thank you for your insight. I was hoping to hear from you, as I have seen the pics of your snakes and litters, and they are truly impressive. There is a hide in the cage. I will try what you suggested. Beings the enclosure is so large it will be easy to clean without removing the snake. I will give it several months on the once a week chick idea and keep my eyes out for live chicks. I have another female green and female yellow in different tanks that feed great, so this snake has been frustrating, but solving this would be very rewarding. Again, thank you very much!!

>> I will give it several months on the once a week chick idea and keep my eyes out for live chicks.
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Michael

1.1 yellow anacondas
1.1 green anacondas
1.0 het albino tiger retic
0.1 lavander albino retic
1.1 brazilian rainbows
1.0 albino ball python
0.2 het albino ball python
0.1 salmon boa
1.1 common boas

for some reason it left off my reply

I am not sure where you live, but you can get chicks and ducks right now at Tractor Supply Co, or at least your local COOP.
then i find chicks, rabbit, ducks, pigs and what ever else on craigslist under the "farm and garden" section. you could always try there and find some fresh ones near by.
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Michael

1.1 yellow anacondas
1.1 green anacondas
1.0 het albino tiger retic
0.1 lavander albino retic
1.1 brazilian rainbows
1.0 albino ball python
0.2 het albino ball python
0.1 salmon boa
1.1 common boas

Thank you very much! I will search those resources right away!!

the live chicks are working!! Thank you!!!!

I placed 3 live chick in the cage yesterday evening, and later in the morning there are only two left!! This is very exciting for me! Me girl friend is a little upset, but I am sure the anaconda is as happy as me. This is really great! I appreciate your advice very much. 1st meal he/she has taken in 4 months! Thank you!!

although I prefer to use f/t chicks, sometimes live is necessary in some cases to get them started. Usually after 2 or 3 live they will take f/t with no problems. After a few f/t chicks, switching to rats be scenting is usually a fairly smooth transition as well. Thanks,

Kelly

Thanks again! She ended up eating all three chick, and then came really close to eating a F/T chick. I think it will be an excellent feeder once I get the kinks worked out. Also I ordered her as a male, but I triple checked and she probes female. There are spurs about 2 mm long. Are these normal spurs for a female? I appreciate your help. Steve

Have you tried Quail? My Green is about 6ft and eats them as fast as I can give them to her. Also, if she has a soaking bowl, try feeding while she's in there. I had this problem with my green and it took me about 2 months to get her eating, this was one of the things I did to get her there.

I haven't tried quail yet, but have tried feeding her in water. She is eating her 2nd bunch of live chicks right now. I think I'll try transitioning to F/T chicks, and per your advice, I will see if there are any frozen quail at an upcoming show. Thank you for the feed back!! Steve
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steve