Pet Snakes and Feeding Problems
Monday August 15, 2005
Feeding snakes is usually pretty easy, but some unlucky snake owners do get snakes that are prone to feeding problems. Feeding problems include snakes that don't want to take pre-killed prey, and snakes that refuse to eat for long periods (ball pythons are somewhat notorious for refusing to eat). Getting captive bred snakes does help to minimize the risk of encountering feeding problems, and there are some strategies owners can use to overcome feeding difficulties. Here are some questions and answers about the issues of captive bred reptiles, advantages of pre-killed prey, and getting reluctant snakes to eat:
-Should I get a Wild Caught or Captive Bred Reptile?
-Should I Feed My Pet Snake Pre-Killed Prey, or Live Prey?
-How Can I Get My Snake to Take Pre-Killed Prey?
-Should I get a Wild Caught or Captive Bred Reptile?
-Should I Feed My Pet Snake Pre-Killed Prey, or Live Prey?
-How Can I Get My Snake to Take Pre-Killed Prey?
Comments
I have an Albino Black Corn Snake for about 4 days now but it never comes out of his little cave is he sleping or is there a problem with him?
Hi there
Moving to a new home is stressful so it is not unusual for a new snake to hide for a few days. Hopefully he will settle down and come out to eat soon! In the meantime, just make sure the temperature and environment are correct for him.
I have a Carpet Python. He is a very well behaved and healthy snake. Unfortunatly he will not switch to rats. He is getting to big to feed mice to. I have tried a couple tricks, none of which worked. I let him go for about two and a half weeks without food, then fed him. I also tried to leave a rat and mouse together for a few hours to get their scents combined, I even misted them to make sure. Please I have run out of options what else can I do?
Have you tried the other usual tricks like dipping in chicken broth, or braining (cracking the skull to expose some brain matter)? I’ve also read that you can try braining a mouse and rubbing the brain matter on the head of a rat (sounds yucky - but it might be worth a shot).
i’m a senior attending the Science Academy of South Texas in Mercedes, Texas. I am currently enrolled in an Engineer Design and Development (EDD) class. The class is based off of designing and developing something that solves a problem. I own a python, and i’m concentrating on finding a solution to a problem that most snake owners might share. However, at the moment i’ve been unable to find any reasonable problems that can be justified as a signifigant predicament. I would appreciate it greatly, if you could give me some progmatic feedback on any problems that you’ve encountered, in your years of practice.
Please let me know if its something worth considering.
sincerley yours,
Angela Palumbo
Hi Angela
The first thing that popped into my mind was preventing snakes from escaping. A snake proof method of keeping the tops on tanks would be handy, especially for the thin-bodied, escape artist snakes like corn snakes.
Best wishes,
Lianne