Argentine boa

wisherp · #1 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 01:46 AM

i have a argentine boa that has only ate 2 times since i had him. He is now starting to lose weight it looks like. well anyways 7 months he should be eating more than 2 times. should i force feed now any help please? temps are good checked everything. can not find a reason.

telefrag · #2 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 02:00 AM

can you provide a little more info?

you say temps are good, what are they?
Argentine boas dont always do better with temps like a BCC or a BCI would usually be comfortable in.

What are you trying to feed it,
was it eating well before you got it?

etc etc.

any other info that can be provided would be helpful.

Refused · #3 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 02:06 AM

try to fill this out as best you can
if you dont know just ask what it should be and someone will help with that also
the info below and what telefrag asked you would help us better awnser your questions

Species:
How long have you had this animal?
Ambient Temps:
Basking temps:
Size:
Diet within the past year for snakes--the past 6 months for lizards:
Last time this animal ate:
Frozen thawed/ live/ stunned/ freshly kiled?
Bulbs if any utilized (be as specific as possible--look on bulb to get make and wattage):
Heat sources (makes and wattage):
How are you measuring temps?
Cage size and type:
Substrate:
Symptoms:
Can you upload any pics?
Comments:

wisherp · #4 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 03:22 AM

ok here is a reply to refused
it is a argentine boa
had him since Jan 2006
abient is 82
basking is 85 to 90
size little over 5 feet
past year dont know since i had him 2 F/T rats the last owners said 2 small rats every week
last time i think was prob 2 months
baulbs is 100 watt baulbs and UTH on one side
measuring temps with a digitial thermametor
cage is a 75 gallon all glass tank
lizard litter

I tried pretty much everything temps braining prey fresh killed stunned chicken dipped in chicken broth and live a little the rat would go by him and looked like he was going to bite him so i took him out. the last owners said they were feeding him 2 live rats a week. He did poop soon after i got him and with him being 3 years old and over 5 feet shows that he has been eating.

deadliestformula · #5 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 03:28 AM

Have you tried feeding at night in a darkened room with a bit of quiet? Might be a 'shy' feeder. Just make sure if you are leaving it in the enclosure it is F/T or PK.

muzixman · #6 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 03:54 AM

Is this snake in a high traffic area and does it have a hide?? could be stress, are you trying to feed it two small rats? at five foot he/she will need a bigger f/t rat. Get one the same as the girth (as big around)of the snake and try leaving it in at night.

boafiend · #7 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 04:10 AM

switch to aspen bedding and make sure he has plenty of things to hide in

wisherp · #8 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 08:44 PM

Yeah i tried night and all diffrent types of size rats. The only 2 times he ate was in the early affternoon. I am using the same stuff the last owners used. What would aspen do ?? Just wondering

wisherp · #9 (**permalink**) 07-29-2006, 02:08 AM

well i am going to try feeding I kept temps at around 90 degrees since couples days of post. Someone told me they have to keep theres at atlease 90 to eat good so wish me luck. I will keep you guys posted on if he eats or not.

Slithers · #10 (**permalink**) 07-29-2006, 03:00 AM

are you monitoring your humidity level?

what is it at?

Good Luck with your Boa, I assume it still hasnt eaten.

also, small rats for a 5 foot boa sounds kinda ridiculous.

Do you have hides on the hot side as well as the cool side? Do you have water in the enclosure?? Is the snake hydrated?? Is the snake peeing or pooping? Losing lots of weight?

wisherp · #11 (**permalink**) 07-29-2006, 04:16 PM

yeah he didnt eat i been trying med. rats the last owners were feeding it small. The humity is around 70 to 80% I spray him down almost everyday with wisconsin summers it gets high humity. I know he is not sick or atleast he has showed no signs what so ever of it. What ya think a vet would do for him any injections or meds to help him? I am going to take him up there in a week or so to see whats going on. If any of you guys have anyother ideas let me know i did pretty much everything. Sucks he is one of my favs and the most stressful one to own.

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