>>I purchased a 30" inch male green bush rat snake from a recent reptile show about two weeks ago. The seller said it was obtained from Freight Freitas.

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>>I have watched the snake drink water many times. It has, however, no desire to eat. I have tried live pinks, frozen thawed pinks, frozen thawed quail and frozen thawed chick legs. I have, unfortuantely, resided to assit force feed some thawed chick legs...(one or two at a time with feet cut off.) The snake held down a few, but now regurgitates food items within an hour of being fed.

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>>Enclosure at this point is simple, but appropriate. Temperature is in the mid 70s. There is a dish that he can soak in, and paper towels for him to hide under. I have added a simple artificial vine with an artificial plant so he can feel more secure.

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>>Not sure what else to do, the snake is drinking, and it is not aggressive. Do I play a the waiting game...hold off for one or two weeks to see if he comes around? Wait until after the next time he sheds. Any advice would be welcomed and appreciated.

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>>Thanks,

>>Chris



Chris,



I'm no expert on rat snakes (I own boas and an indigo snake,) but imo, while your intentions are good, it sounds like you are way over-reacting and stressing out the snake. Two weeks is not a long time for a snake to go without eating, especially when it is moved to a new home. Force feeding is traumatic, and regurgitation will compound the problems. While it's impossible to say for sure if there is some other reason the snake is not eating, I would just leave the snake alone for at least a week. And if it's not in a quiet, low-traffic area, maybe put it in one. The snake needs to recover from the regurge(s), if nothing else. And the next meal you offer it should be on the small side.



Good luck,

Ed

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