Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Greetings all,

I got a Borneo Short-Tailed Python several weeks ago. She was born in May, bred by the owner of the reptile shop I got her from. She last ate (according to them) on 9/5. I got her a week and a half later. They weren't that concerned that she hadn't eaten on 9/13 because she was approaching her 4 month shed mark.
I offered her food 9/20, and a couple times since then, but she wasn't interested. I offered thawed rat hoppers, first on tongs, and then leaving it in the terrarium for a couple hours.
She's now in blue so I figure I just leave her alone until she sheds because she's probably not interested in eating now anyway. Her temps are 72ish on the cold side and 80s (85ish) on the warm side. Humidity is 60% unless I mist and it goes up, obviously.
Is there anything else I should be doing? This is my first Borneo so I just want to be sure.

Thanks!
Katherine

Sounds like your set up is too big, I'd put it in a 6qt or 15qt tub so she'll feels secure enough to eat.

A baby like yours should be eating every 7-10 days.
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www.BadAppleReptiles.com

Id also raise temps

72 is too cool

Try for a constant 82-84

Youngsters really like live so Id stick with that for a bit

Don't buy on the live debate. My short-tails and bloods take frozen thawed out of egg half the time. The rest take it by the third meal. BUT when you feed, do it in the dark and make sure the prey is warm at least 100F to 110F. Offer it up but don't make contact with your snake, shake a little and it should get eaten.
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> My short-tails and bloods take frozen thawed out of
> egg half the time. The rest take it by the third meal.

According to the feeding card I got with my Borneo, this is Exactly what she did, re: taking frozen/thawed on the third meal. That was in June. I wouldn't think I'd need to go back to live and I try to avoid live food whenever possible.

As to heating it up: What do you suggest using? Double-boiler? Microwave? Toaster oven?

Thanks again!
Katherine

I like to thaw the food item in hot water, or put it in hot water a few minutes before offering it to the animal.

What type of enclosure do you have her in and what is your set-up like? Does she have a hide? They like to feel secure. Also be sure to have a water source in her enclosure that is large enough for her to get her whole body into and soak. When they get stressed, they don't always eat right away. I'd give her some more time to settle. I'd surely wait until after she sheds before you offer her food again. Hope this helps.
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DNA_CURTUS "It's in our Genes"

Thanks for the input from all! I have her in a 20 gal long, with a dark sarong draped over it to prevent reflection in the glass. She has two hides: one on the cooler end and one on the warmer. She does use them. The water bowl is large enough for her to curl up in. I may move her to a smaller enclosure soon. She was in a 10 gallon at the reptile store and eating fine there. *shrug* I think she will probably shed in the next few days, though. So I'll wait until afterwards to feed.

Cheers
Katherine