Snake feeding schedule

[David_F]

Sounds good, I feed my snakes all once a week. When I feed two items to one snake, I dont spread it out, I just give one and about a half hour later give it the other mouse/rat.

That's what I've done before. This snake doesn't seem to like it that way though. This past Thursday was the first time she's ever taken more than one prey item in one day since she's been in my care. She ate two of the three pinky bodies I gave her but I think that had more to do with her being hungry after two months without food than anything else. Other than that, I haven't been able to get her to eat more than one mouse in one day.

I know how to deal with the average pet snakes (corns, kings, pythons, etc.) feeding habits but this snake is just different to me. Nothing like I'm used to dealing with. It's been fun, though, and I'm looking forward to working with her over the next few years.

 

[David_F]

Yep, I'm back. Been trying not to worry about these snakes too much, and doing a pretty good job of it so far. I'm just kind of watching them and letting them do what they do.

But it's been about a week since my last post and the little buggers still haven't eaten. I've only had one snake in the past that was a non-feeder when I acquired him but I got him eating in a day or two. How long can new-born snakes go without eating? They appear healthy so, like I said, I'm not overly worried. Just a bit concerned and curious.

Since they've refused mouse parts a few times should I try something else? Frogs? Lizards? Just continue to wait?

Thanks and sorry for all the pain-in-the-ass n00b questions.

 

[codykrr]

hey david...id try small frogs scented like mice. so the switch back isnt so hard. also have you tried just throwing in a newborn pinky and leaving it there over night? alive of course. maybe they will eat it eventually. thats what i have had to do with my scarlet milk snake we got at the bug hunt. if there hungry hey will eat.

 

[David_F]

Christ all Friday, I sound like a nervous mother....

Okay, they still haven't eaten. Again, I'm not too worried (even if it seems like I am). The neos still look to be healthy. They're alert and have no problem with letting me know that they will bite at the first opportunity. I still figure that they're living on yolk reserves but I have another, quite possibly strange, question for those who have raised neonates. As the past two weeks have passed these snakes have defecated three times. Until tonight there has been no odor. It's now starting to smell like normal snake poo. Is this normal? Is this something that happens when they get close to needing real food? And I'm asking out of pure curiosity....not to be gross. I notice things and, hell, I don't have anything else going on in my life. Might as well pay attention to what snake crap smells like, right?

I promise, as soon as the stubborn buggers start eating I'll leave you guys alone.

 

[Lucas339]

offer rodents again. if that doesn't work, try senting with frogs. using frogs as feeders is hard. they may only want frogs for a long time and i don't recommend using them often. there is always a risk of parasites when using wild prey items.