Red Tail won't eat

[earthbrother]

I have an adopted a red tail almost 2yrs ago he'sapprox. 4.5 -5 years old, 4.5 feet in legth.
This snake won't eat. He lives in a large commercial case. Temp 85, humidity 60%. He lives with 3 other redatails all males from 2yrs-7.5 yrs. They seem to be getting along fine. I've been force feeding baby food (meat) he hates being fed. He's very thin at this point. Any advice? I've tried live, dead rodents. He acts like they are not there. Any help would be great. Thanks.

[RevMojo]

Welcome to RTB. you're better off separating your snakes, but more about that later. How long has it been since this one ate?

[Gurl]

how long has he not been eating? is it possible for u to get him his own cage? what is his weight? do u know what the person who had him before u fed him?

[earthbrother]

Originally Posted by RevMojo

Welcome to RTB. you're better off separating your snakes, but more about that later. How long has it been since this one ate?

I can seperate him from the others...he's not eaten rodent since being adopted about 2 yrs.

[earthbrother]

Originally Posted by Gurl

how long has he not been eating? is it possible for u to get him his own cage? what is his weight? do u know what the person who had him before u fed him?

I can separate him from the others. It's been approx. 2 yrs. since he's eaten
live...it may be longer...The people I got him from may have been the problem...he was clearly upset when I got him...he's very nice now...just won't eat.

[RevMojo]

Would you mind terribly filling us in a little on your experience...the kind of answer we give will depend on that...there some things some people just shouldn't try by themselves, but others might be able to.

You also mentioned feeding baby food...I'm assuming you know a little about force-feeding then, but for the sake of clarity, can you tell us a little about how you've been doing it? Have you considered a pinkie press?

Sorry to ask so many questions, but our best answer will come from yours.

[Gurl]

hmm, if i were u i would bring him to the vet asap.. most of the time if a snake doesnt eat for a long time it is likely to be unhealthy... do u see it drinking ever? do the other rtbs eat? do u feed them in their cage all together, or seperatly?

[earthbrother]

Originally Posted by RevMojo

Would you mind terribly filling us in a little on your experience...the kind of answer we give will depend on that...there some things some people just shouldn't try by themselves, but others might be able to.
You also mentioned feeding baby food...I'm assuming you know a little about force-feeding then, but for the sake of clarity, can you tell us a little about how you've been doing it? Have you considered a pinkie press?
Sorry to ask so many questions, but our best answer will come from yours.

Thanks for responding again. I have had snakes for 4 yrs. I have adopted all of these snakes. I currently use a plastic syringe/dropper for feeding..on my vets suggestion. Also the vet says he's healthy other wise. Sorry I was unaware that there are pinkie presses. Also..all my other snakes eat well. He's the only one that won't.

[earthbrother]

Originally Posted by Gurl

hmm, if i were u i would bring him to the vet asap.. most of the time if a snake doesnt eat for a long time it is likely to be unhealthy... do u see it drinking ever? do the other rtbs eat? do u feed them in their cage all together, or seperatly?

He's been to the vet. He's healthy so far. The vet instructed me to force feed. He does drink water, he is on a good she cycle also. He is fed out of his case seperately. He is still strong and has a very good temperment. I'm just very concerned.

[RevMojo]

Ok, we've extended the usefulness of my knowledge as far as it goes...experts, chime in any time.

[VoodooChile]

2 years? What has he been eating so far?? What kind of baby food?

There are several things to try: First, he could be stressed...and if your vet didn't tell you, force feeding is NOT advisable without advisement, assist feed, yes...force feed..no..
Don't know what your set ups are so far, but separate him..give him 90-92 basking on one side to 80 cooler spot on the other end..You can do this with a UTH (undertank heater, available for 15-30 dollars at Pet stores)
You can use a Sterlite plastic tote if need to..approximately 2-3ft in length depending on snake size..They are cheap and easy to come by..
Provide a nice bowl of water to soak in..
Provide a hide box (large enough for snake to curl up in, but small enough for it's sides to touch while coiled inside it) ..like a cereal box, a butter dish, etc..
After about 8days to 5days in the new cage, offer a frozen/thawed item placed just outside the cage, or do the "rat dance" making the rat jostle around just slightly out of reach of the snake to provoke interest..
Once the snake catches the scent or shows interest, let the prey go..and back away from the cage..you may have to do this at night, or even exclude the "rat dance" and just drop the item in the cage and walk away..leave it in overnight (but ONLY do with frozen/thawed prey..NOT live)
try that, see if it helps..and NO more baby food. If you HAVE to, get some f/t rats and puree them..gross but at least the calcium is there..and then put them in the feeding syringe..

Sorry should add... 2 hides..one on cool side, one on warmer side..

	Under Tank Heater Under Tank Heater