Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently purchased a sunbeam snake from lll reptiles... and he has not eaten for over a month now.

I've attempted to feed every few days. Initially I tried just putting the mouse on the surface of the substrate (on a tray) right before turning the lights off, then I tried an hour or so after lights were off then I tried putting the snake in a dark container with the mouse and that didn't work. I've tried with a variety of frozen/thawed mice of various sizes (pinky, hopper, fuzzy) with no interest shown in any of the mice/feeding methods. At the suggestion of the internet I even tried rubbing a mouse on one of my lizards, and also tried putting some lizard shed on a different mouse to no avail. He just seems to ignore the food.

I have a hard time finding live rodents (I've only been able to find adult mice, which seem too large) and am looking for suggestions on how to get the snake to eat f/t, but if anyone knows of where I could get live mice in the sacramento area that would help as well.

The snake is kept in a 20 gallon tank in around 3" deep coconut husk substrate with humidity at around 80% with temperatures around 80 on the hot side.

I realize that there might be a parasite problem and I want to get some food in him so I can get a fecal sample for the vet to test, but I can't get him to eat.

I see two potential problems.
1) Unfortunately, you're going to have to find some live hoppers. Contact your local herp clubs or petstores for options. You can also breed some yourself until you get the chance to convert this guy to f/t - you must first get him eating though.

2) Your substrate is probably too dry. Add another 3 inches to it's depth with spagnum moss. You should have a good range of substrate from almost aquatic/sopping wet, to well drained, "higher ground". It will take a while to find a method of setup that accomplishes this without being a gross pool scum. Regular substrate changes until you do, but you may try different false bottoms, substrate types, drainage layers, filters etc. It is more important to get your snake eating first however.

These are very cool snakes, but have never really become popular because of their semi-aquatic, muddy habitats. I hear they are quite common in SE Asian rice paddies, so you might want to try a similar setup to that.

I wish I could offer more first hand experience, but after looking into their natural habitat I wasn't ready to get myself a pair yet.

Good luck!

Ian