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Mancunian
Hatchling
United Kingdom
89 Posts |
 Posted - 15/02/2009 : 18:16:06
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Some of you may have seen this on RFUK but thought I would cross post here too.
I am concerned about my Royal not eating. I appreciate there are many posts on this issue and I have read them and acted on the advice given but no luck so far. I would appreciate reassurance if there is no problem or practical advice if you agree my concern is valid.
The Royal is a male CB07. Owned by me since October 08. He was eating mice no problem when I got him and I switched him to rats after a few weeks. He ate weekly until 12 December then refused on that date, thereafter:
19 Dec 1 rat pup
26 Dec Refused rat
2 Jan Refused mouse
10 Jan Refused mouse
25 Jan Struck but refused mouse
1 Feb Refused mouse
7 Feb Refused mouse
15 Feb Refused mouse (tried to assist feed as advised but spat out small mouse)
His weights are:
2 Dec 416g
26 Dec 432 g
26 Jan 413 g
14 Feb 383 g
I know some Royals stop eating in winter but now he is loosing weight and looks less bulky. Otherwise he is well and shed recently. No signs of lethargy or disease. His husbandry is fine, but today I have moved him to a RUB to see if a small enclosed living space may help incease his confidence. At times he seems almost petrified of the mice when I dangle them in front of him.
I have tried leaving food in his viv, leaving him all week undisturbed, geting him out daily for a week, taking him for a car ride to stimulate him, braining mice, warming mice, leaving him in a small box with the food item etc etc...all the usual tips but to no avail.
Would welcome any opinion...whats the next step? Or do I leave him and continue trying weekly feeds?
Thanks.
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1.0.0 Royal Python (Python regius) CB07 Tibo (Normal)
0.1.1 Corn Snakes (Elaphe guttata) CB07 Jasper (Amelanastic) CB07 Chico (Anerythristic Aztec)
1.1.0 California Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula californiae) CB05 Luka (B&W Banded) CB06 Lucien (Albino Banded)
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Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 15/02/2009 : 18:37:55
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Get a chick or gerbil/hamster and try that,I know Daz had success with them.
Then you may have to try the live/fresh-killed route.
Good luck. |
 
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dazb
Royal Python Moderator
United Kingdom
2847 Posts |
Posted - 15/02/2009 : 18:42:13
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yeah one of mine hadnt eaten in ages when i got her. tried her with day old chicks and took them straight away.
have a rat/mouse which ever you normally use defrosted aswell and if she takes the chick, as its legs are just disappearing in to the mouth put the rat/mouse head in between them and he should just carry on eating and take it aswell... |
 
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Edited by - dazb on 15/02/2009 18:42:44 |
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wolfspirit
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
5741 Posts |
Posted - 15/02/2009 : 18:46:08
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when you say he is petrified, is he actually seeing them? i am only asking cos i have a kingsnake who has recently shed, and his eyes still have shed around them, and he knew something was there, but got real scared and i sussed out why it was....probably not this in your case, but worth mentioning cos you just never know...
other than that, these guys will help you 
good luck and i hope you get your royal eating soon |
"No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from
now and make a brand new ending."
-- Source Unknown
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Paulusworm
Fully Grown Royal
Azerbaijan
1550 Posts |
Posted - 15/02/2009 : 18:48:15
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Good luck. Keep us posted  . |
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Gingerpony
Royal Python Moderator
United Kingdom
2663 Posts |
Posted - 15/02/2009 : 19:00:41
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temperature has had a big impact on Queenie the RP and Marilyn the Dum. the ambient temp has dropped so they're in cold vivs but sat on a heatmat. one solution was to put the central heating on more, not ideal but it did work until the OH complained. a ceramic for heating should work as it heats the air so raises the ambient temp whilst providing a hotter basking spot. what are you using Manc?
the temporary solution i've used for Marilyn (which has also worked) but i wouldn't recommend anyone inexperienced to do it is using a heatmat the whole surface area of the viv. Marilyn can cool down by going on top of her flat-topped stick hide so she can still thermoregulate. |
Dumerils boas, BCO hybrids, Sinder Hypo boas, cornsnakes, ratsnakes, Day Geckos
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Mancunian
Hatchling
United Kingdom
89 Posts |
Posted - 15/02/2009 : 19:14:42
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Thanks everyone. I may try a chick or gerbil in the week when he sttles down after todays attempt.
GP: he has an IR bulb- temps are a constant 31C so I don't think the temp is a major factor here.
The Corns are eating well and growing fast. |
1.0.0 Royal Python (Python regius) CB07 Tibo (Normal)
0.1.1 Corn Snakes (Elaphe guttata) CB07 Jasper (Amelanastic) CB07 Chico (Anerythristic Aztec)
1.1.0 California Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula californiae) CB05 Luka (B&W Banded) CB06 Lucien (Albino Banded)
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Mancunian
Hatchling
United Kingdom
89 Posts |
Posted - 17/02/2009 : 21:43:24
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Update:
Tried offering a chick but he was not interested so I just left him with it. After 20 minutes it was gone!!! Hurrah!
So ends the 9 week fast.
I shall try a chick followed by a mouse chaser next time.
Feel somewhat relieved he has eaten something at least. |
1.0.0 Royal Python (Python regius) CB07 Tibo (Normal)
0.1.1 Corn Snakes (Elaphe guttata) CB07 Jasper (Amelanastic) CB07 Chico (Anerythristic Aztec)
1.1.0 California Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula californiae) CB05 Luka (B&W Banded) CB06 Lucien (Albino Banded)
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Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 17/02/2009 : 22:00:04
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Woohoo, do I win a prize?
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Mancunian
Hatchling
United Kingdom
89 Posts |
Posted - 17/02/2009 : 22:05:01
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Sure do, I shall post you the gerbil I bought with the chick 
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1.0.0 Royal Python (Python regius) CB07 Tibo (Normal)
0.1.1 Corn Snakes (Elaphe guttata) CB07 Jasper (Amelanastic) CB07 Chico (Anerythristic Aztec)
1.1.0 California Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula californiae) CB05 Luka (B&W Banded) CB06 Lucien (Albino Banded)
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wolfspirit
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
5741 Posts |
Posted - 17/02/2009 : 22:12:06
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That is great news he took it, must be such a relief for you, maybe try him with the gerbil next....
Well done BE, your a star;-) |
"No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from
now and make a brand new ending."
-- Source Unknown
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Paulusworm
Fully Grown Royal
Azerbaijan
1550 Posts |
Posted - 17/02/2009 : 22:17:43
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| Nice one . |
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Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 17/02/2009 : 22:18:36
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| Just a matter of time Anne, I keep suggesting chicks on various websites, I had to get lucky sooner or later |
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lee2308
Royal Python Moderator
United Kingdom
2597 Posts |
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Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 18/02/2009 : 06:39:25
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| Just remember that owners are a lot more worried about not eating than snakes. As long as they're not losing significant weight its all natural. |
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wolfspirit
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
5741 Posts |
Posted - 18/02/2009 : 07:07:22
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quote:
Originally posted by Blackecho
Just a matter of time Anne, I keep suggesting chicks on various websites, I had to get lucky sooner or later
well it is good advice, how long would you do chicks for? |
"No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from
now and make a brand new ending."
-- Source Unknown
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Blackecho
Royal Python Admin
United Kingdom
11327 Posts |
Posted - 18/02/2009 : 10:19:30
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| As short as possible when you see what comes out of the other end |
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wolfspirit
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
5741 Posts |
Posted - 18/02/2009 : 10:20:31
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| is it bad then? |
"No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from
now and make a brand new ending."
-- Source Unknown
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I-M
Hatchling
United Kingdom
68 Posts |
Posted - 18/02/2009 : 17:25:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Blackecho
Just remember that owners are a lot more worried about not eating than snakes. As long as they're not losing significant weight its all natural.
It's quite funny! If one replaced "my snake" with "my baby", and "rat/rodent/mouse" with solids, and some further minor changes this discussion would fit in perfectly well in a parent and baby forum! There is something basically unsettling about nurtuiring somebody who doesn't eat what we serve them, and knowing that they are ok doesn't completely relieve that... Ie weight is ok, snake/baby is appeareing to be completely healthy. Just a thought! |
Aka "The Old Bat" |
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Gingerpony
Royal Python Moderator
United Kingdom
2663 Posts |
Posted - 18/02/2009 : 19:34:25
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quote:
Originally posted by wolfspirit
is it bad then?
i think kaz had evra or nagini on chicks for a while, she's probably the best person to describe it  |
Dumerils boas, BCO hybrids, Sinder Hypo boas, cornsnakes, ratsnakes, Day Geckos
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Mancunian
Hatchling
United Kingdom
89 Posts |
Posted - 21/02/2009 : 22:48:31
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I defrosted a large mouse and thought I'd try Tibo with it, even though it was only 5 days since he had the chick. If he refused it I could give it to Jasper but miracles do happen...he ate it! Thats twice in a week now.
My new strategy is putting him in a small RUB with substrate, leaving the food in there, shutting the lid, covering with a towel and placing him in the viv under the lamp.
maybe he will get back to striking again one day but just pleased he is actually eating again. Lets see if i can get him back to rats. I shall save the gerbil for emergencies! |
1.0.0 Royal Python (Python regius) CB07 Tibo (Normal)
0.1.1 Corn Snakes (Elaphe guttata) CB07 Jasper (Amelanastic) CB07 Chico (Anerythristic Aztec)
1.1.0 California Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula californiae) CB05 Luka (B&W Banded) CB06 Lucien (Albino Banded)
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Edited by - Mancunian on 21/02/2009 22:49:01 |
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