Feeding issues with a baby

unluckyseventeen · #1 (**permalink**) 10-16-2005, 04:25 PM

I recently purchased a baby columbian redtail and I've ALWAYS had problems with feeding. I am on F/T and he's refused the last two feedings. He hasn't eaten for a couple weeks now and is starting to get a little lethargic. I thought I'd try some tricks like chicken broth and whatnot, but I just don't get it. It seems like every time I get a baby redtail they are the most stubborn eaters in the entire world. I'm also wondering if I should get concerned about his behavior. He isn't nearly as active as he used to be. I mean, he still will move around if provoked, but if I set him back in his cage he'll move a little, then stay in the same position for hours.

Right now I am just waiting for the pet store to open so I can get more rats for him.... just wondering... What's the deal?

unluckyseventeen · #2 (**permalink**) 10-16-2005, 04:27 PM

Oh, before I expect answers, I should answer the obvious:
The temps in the cage are 89 on the hot side and about 80 on the cool side. Humidity holds a stable 60% throughout the day. Yes, night and day alternates, and probably lose maybe 1 or two degrees at night.
He recently shed on Wednesday and looks good. He's just been really lethargic and will not eat. I am ready to try some desperate measures and feeding tricks. Just wonder if anybody else has the same issues and what they would reccomend.

unluckyseventeen · #3 (**permalink**) 10-16-2005, 07:53 PM

......anybody? Suggestions?

garrett · #4 (**permalink**) 10-16-2005, 08:00 PM

my guy hardly moves around ether once i put himi back in the cage, so i dont know if you have to worry about that.

unluckyseventeen · #5 (**permalink**) 10-16-2005, 08:08 PM

I'm more focused on feeding tips for babies. I'm even trying right now and he doesn't seem interested whatsoever.

Heidi · #6 (**permalink**) 10-16-2005, 09:08 PM

I think the first obvious suggestion would be to get him to a vet. It is not a bad idea to get a first check-up and stool sample at least. How long have you had this baby and how often have you been trying to feed it, how often is it handled, did you give it a break-in period? Other then a sickness it sounds like it could be stress. I don't think even a baby should be lethargic after only missing two meals. Has it eaten for you before.

I would say to get it to the vet. If it is given a clean bill of health leave it alone for a week, try to feed him then. Some babies like different ways of eating. One of mine liked the wiggle of her food and the other is afraid of the wiggle and just wants it laid down in front of him. Have you tried to leave it alone overnight with him?

Babies can be very tempermental when it comes to feeding and I know it is nerve racking. Good luck and I know there is alot of expertise out there for you.

unluckyseventeen · #7 (**permalink**) 10-16-2005, 09:27 PM

Yeah, we had been planning on taking him to the vet. He's perked up since this morning and has been fairly active. He's by no means ready to die of starvation, as I have his feeding records and he should be good enough to hold for at least 3 or 4 weeks without food.

I fed him the 3rd day he was here. I entertained him for about 5 minutes with the food, and stuck it in front of his hide. He ate in about 15 minutes, no problem. He then went into shed a few days after and I held off feeding him until he completed his shed. His shed was fine, no problems or issues with that. I then offered him prey and he was completely uninterested. I tried a couple days later and he seemed interested, and it sat in the tank overnight, and I woke up with a snake coiled up and a dead rat still sitting there. I tried again today and he still gives the same behavior - little to no interest.

Heidi · #8 (**permalink**) 10-16-2005, 11:41 PM

I definitely think the issue is stress. Give him a week between attempts unless he shows obvious hunting signs, then maybe you can try in 4-5 days. New babies are very stressed under the best of circumstances. Other then feeding him at that time leave him alone except for to change water and spot clean. Let him eat two times consecutively before starting to handle him regularly. Too me this is the hardest part of getting a new baby.

unluckyseventeen · #9 (**permalink**) 10-17-2005, 06:41 PM

Yeah, I bet he is stressed too. Also, I've been informed that he was previously feeding on mice and not rats. I suppose I should try fuzzie mice before offering another rat. I might also wait until he deficates to offer him another meal. I guess I will wait it out and see.

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