Hi Richard-



I hope you can help- I stumbled across-literally- a 22 inch Rubber Boa in late Spring. Problem is that it stopped eating in mid August-and has visibly lost weight.

It WAS eating-directly from hand or tongs- as soon as I placed the warmed (warm water) thawed pinky mice nearby- the snake would rise to meet it and start eating-while I held the mouse to it could get a grip. About 20 pinks per month.



I live in a temperate area-near the coast-and my house temp varies from 60-80 F

I set up a terrarium with lots of Moss (both damp and live- and the Moss found in bulk for planter ground cover. The snake has a variety of moist and dry "hides"-as well as open space. I also added a very low watt "warm rock"-which never seems to get more than slightly warm. The snake seems to use this for regulation-by adjusting the amount of body contact.



It appears healthy and it seems relaxed and "happy" to be held. Particularly if I let it smell my hand for a few seconds before I pick it up.

Should I try force feeding? Or just give it more time?

It has shed twice- once in late Aug- and last week. Any suggestions?



Thanks! Eric

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