Baby albino feeding concerns

pilot511 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2008, 05:45 PM

My female albino is around 100grams, and has not been an aggressive feeder whatsoever. When I had my male at that weight I couldn't put a mouse in with him for more than 10 seconds before it was gone (hes on f/t now)...She is on live and I had tried to switch her over but no interest at all. Currently she is in a 10gallon, 2 hides, temps around 87-88 at the warm end...

Is this signs of a problem feeder for the future?

Any good way to switch her over (my other bp/other snakes had no problems at all)...Should I try just feeding once a week and if she doesn't take it wait another week, or is she too young?

Would moving her into a smaller enclosure help?

Thanks.

Allysen · #2 (**permalink**) 10-04-2008, 06:22 PM

I definitely think moving her into a smaller enclosure would help. You might want to think about a small sterilite or rubbermaid tub. I've found that with a lot of nervous baby pythons, not being able to see out into the big bad room can do wonders.

I got a small adult male albino bp at a reptile show in February. It took me until JULY to get him actually eating, and he only this month started taking f/t with gusto. I almost cried when he slammed his thawed meal off of the tongs this last week, I was so proud!!

If you move her into a smaller enclosure (and even if you don't), make sure you leave her 100% alone for about a week. After a week, get some really stinky bedding from whatever rodent she's used to eating. Wait until just before light's out and put it in her cage so it really smells the place up. Continue waiting for a couple of hours until she comes out and starts hunting. It's a lot easier to convince them into taking f/t prey if the prey is REALLY nice and warm, and they know that it's coming. The bedding will get her hunting and once you introduce her food, she should be more receptive. I had a lot of nights with some of my problem feeders where I was creeping through the reptile room with the smallest flashlight, trying not to disturb them, lol.

I don't think it's necessarily a sign she's going to be a problem feeder, she's probably just a bit frightened and stressed out. Once you get her into a routine, she'll probably be fine! Good luck!

pilot511 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-2008, 06:35 PM

So you prefer to feed at night? My one question is even that she is so little, you would still offer f/t once a week, and if she doesn't take it wait till the next week? I have a 12 quart I just may switch her into...So you just throw some mouse or w/e bedding in, and feed in the cage or separate?

Allysen · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2008, 06:54 PM

They are SO nocturnal, I have voracious feeders who wouldn't consider eating during the day. Sometimes just feeding at night is all it takes!

And definitely feed in her cage, that's where they feel secure and safe.

I would monitor her weight, actually! Weigh her once a week, and continue to offer f/t as long as she doesn't start losing.

When my little albino wasn't taking f/t, he wasn't interested in live either. He just plain was not ready to eat!

If she doesn't want to eat f/t at first, try leaving it just outside her hide and removing it the next morning if she doesn't eat it. Just be persistent, try a few different tricks, and she'll come around. We've all been there and know how frustrating it can be!

pilot511 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 12:01 AM

So I usually feed Fridays, if you were me you would try to do a puppet show with the f/t, and if she doesn't take it, leave it until Saturday morning, and if its still there take it out and wait again until next Friday?

citysnakes · #6 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 05:24 AM

shes still a very young snake and if shes not as quick as others to move to f/t then theres no harm in keeping her on live for a few more feedings until she eats consistently for you. moving her to a smaller tub would definitely help her feeding response and just dont bother her until she starts eating well for you. try live again on friday and then again for a few fridays after that. then try the switch.

good luck!

SteveJor · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2008, 02:43 AM

Typical albino. You'll hear the same from others about them being the worst feeders.
This girl is a 2006!
She just recently started eating consistently.
Royal pain in the butt!

pilot511 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-13-2008, 01:54 AM

my girl took f/t last week...I moved her into a 12qt which she seems to feel more comfortable in and she was in shed (can't really tell with albino)....heres a couple pix

citysnakes · #9 (**permalink**) 10-14-2008, 12:57 AM

shes very beautiful.

glad shes eating for you.

snakemann6 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-14-2008, 01:02 AM

very beautiful snake....

Advertisement