Breeder male not eating...

Tshima · #1 (**permalink**) 03-25-2003, 07:43 AM

Now I know its normal to have a breeder male not eat, but I'm getting a little uneasy. My male hasn't eaten since early November. BCI. Breeding occured in December, and female looks gravid. He's not interested in eating at all, seems like he's afraid of the f/t rat. Any ideas on stimulating an appetite? He lives by himself in a wooden cage, temps are 88 under rhp and mid 70's on cool side. There is also a human heating pad under the cage for belly heat. He has lost some weight, but not much and appears to be well hydrated. I really don't want to start force feeding, he's never exhibited this type of fasting before. I have tried freshly killed rats and frozen thawed. He was well accustomed to eating f/t before the breeding season started. Any ideas would be appreciated.
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Sunn · #2 (**permalink**) 03-26-2003, 12:14 AM

Tshima,

Not sure if I would be worried yet....maybe spend some time on his normal schedule offering him his favorites, maybe try different colors...sizes smaller than his normal since he hasn't eaten since November. My big BCI just ate last week since November also and he is fine.

I have some others not eating yet and as long as they still appear healthy won't worry for awhile.

If it bothers you too much you can always take him to the vet. Safe is always better than sorry and your instincts if you've owned him for along time are usually a decent gauge.

I'm sure someone with more breeding experience than I will come along and help you out.

Be sure to let us know here when he eats...

[img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img] Sandy
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LdyDrgn · #3 (**permalink**) 03-26-2003, 12:56 AM

Males will sometimes stop eating during 'breeding season'. I would continue to offer small meals every week until he takes something. He can go quite a few months without eating, so don't panic yet. I'm sure he's just fine. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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Tshima · #4 (**permalink**) 03-27-2003, 04:11 AM

OK Thanks. I will give him some more time to get his appetite back.
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Tshima · #5 (**permalink**) 04-23-2003, 04:17 AM

Just a quick update, he ate on Saturday. He's already looking better. Thanks all...
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Sunn · #6 (**permalink**) 04-23-2003, 02:30 PM

Great!!!!!

The last of my hold outs finally ate this week too......

they sure seem to love to worry ya!

Good luck with the babies....
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