| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| LarkaDawg |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 07:54:39
Hi there, I saw a topic recently about how someone's snake wouldn't feed in his viv. I have the opposite problem lol. My snake Pantalaimon is about two years old and roughly 2-3 foot long. He lives in a two foot viv with lots of decor. He is the nervous type and doesn't deal well with open spaces, large enclosures or any kind of stress, he has stopped eating in the past because his tub was too big for him.
I usually feed my snakes in small tubs outside their vivs, and put the tub back inside the viv with the top off when they finish. But whenever I put him in a tub and try to give him a mouse, all he can think about is escaping, even when left in a dark corner with it. Only works when he is under his hide inside his viv.
I do worry about him eating substrate, he is on aspen at the moment. And also I don't want him to think opening the viv means food, meaning I might get bitten. In the past I have given him the mouse and slipped some kitchen roll under his head quickly, doesn't always work.
Any advice on slowly building up his confidence to be able to focus on eating when in an external tub? I weigh and attempt to measure my snakes at feeding, so he comes out anyway, and I have to feed him last so he can settle down after the 'stress' of being weighed/handled. He is the sweetest little thing and I'd hate for him to go off food again, but any gradual methods of building confidence would be welcome  |
| 9 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| eeji |
Posted - 19/10/2012 : 19:05:06
or if you want to continue with your usual warm water method, stick the mouse in a zip bag to keep it dry :) |
| Red123 |
Posted - 19/10/2012 : 09:10:11
Can you not defrost the mouse at room temp them warm it up either with a hairdryer or sit it ontop of a hot water bowl to warm up. It won't be wet then and less chance of substrate sticking to it. |
| Thorne Walker |
Posted - 19/10/2012 : 01:17:25
Put the mouse on a small plate.
I feed Monster in his viv and when I go in for any other reason and he starts 'homing in' i get right into his face and let his tongue hit me.
No mouse smell = not feeding time.
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| LarkaDawg |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 23:47:26
Hi, thanks for the replies
Unfortunately I worry a lot and substrate plus mouse doesn't make me feel good :s and his mice are usually wet from defrosting in warm water.
He is about 3ft long and is 2yrs old. So yes he is past hatchie stage, and I guess they must be able to digest it seeing as they digest bones and fur etc. in regards to the striking/food response, I've never actually experienced it myself, but had heard rumours and advice stating against it. Thanks for the first hand knowledge. Your responses have made me feel better about feeding him in his viv, an I suppose it doesn't really matter |
| eeji |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 17:33:02
how big is he? once past the small hatchie stage you should be fine feeding on aspen, especially if the mouse is dry. |
| eeji |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 17:31:44
how big is he? once past the small hatchie stage you should be fine feeding on aspen, especially if the mouse is dry. |
| Jmodjamodj |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 09:21:35
Morning, my Frank will not eat in his tub but now only will take food from piece of kitchen roll inside his viv. I tried not to give in to this but do it most of the time now as he just will not eat it outside. He is about 6 months, has NEVER bitten or even tried to strike, he is calm, placid and most lovely, and I feel it is not confusing him to feed him in his viv. |
| Red123 |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 09:10:18
With regards to thinking the viv opening means food, they don't. I feed all my snakes in their vivs and have not had a problem with them associating the viv opening with feeding as long as you handle them inbetween feeds. Mine don't know whether I am opening the door to get them out, spot clean, refresh water or to feed. As regards to feeding in viv on substrate all I will say is I do. :) |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 08:30:50
Have you tried putting his hide in the tub, the mouse in the hide and then cover with a thick towel to make it dark? |
