Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had a Columbian for three months and he's never skipped a meal.

I added a 11 year-old Dummerils boa about three weeks ago. He ate one week after I got him.

I waited two weeks and gave him another rat. (He had shed, but I waited two days after he completed the shed). He crawled over to the rat, smelled it and moved it around with his head and then crawled away. I left it in his cage all night, but he didn't eat it.

Should I be concerned? His previous owner who had him from a baby said that he eats well.

FYI, he's in a 4'x2' Boamaster with temps ranging from 86F on one end and 80F on the other end.

Thanks,

Scott

If nothing seems obviously wrong, I wouldn't be too concerned at this point. If you can, ask the previous owner how often he was feeding. He may have fed well on a monthly schedule. If you can't get in touch with him, just observe him for signs indicating he may be hungry, such as cruising the cage or any behavior that seems "different" for that animal. Then give it another try.

I wouldn't worry if your snake skips a meal here and there. I usually tell people to double check the temperature and humidity, but it looks like you're doing fine there. Here are a few things you can try to get your Dumerils Boa to eat a little more consistently. First of all, I prefer feeding using tongs rather than leaving a rodent lying in the cage. Sometime a simple wiggle is all it takes to get your snake to take the food. Also, if they're hesitant to strike but are still interested in the food, you can apply gentle pressure and they'll take it. I'll attach a video I recorded doing this with one of my Brazilian Rainbow Boas. The last thing I thought I'd mention. My 6 foot long Dumerils Boa, Lazarus simply won't take rats. However, he'll take a mouse every time. I just feed him a tiny mouse, then follow it up with a large rat. I hope this helps you out.

I have a movie on this page showing how to feed a 2nd food item:
www.moonlightboas.com/index.php/care-info/

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Paul D

www.MoonlightBoas.com

Thanks...you've been a good help.