Black Rat not eating / Striking

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Posted by Brent on December 20, 2000 at 12:01:07:

I have a Black Rat that was caught at my workplace in summer 1999. It was about 8 inches at the time, I figured a spring / summer hatchling. It is now about 2 foot long and has been feeding on frozen fuzzies somewhat well about every 7-10 days. It had not eaten for the last 6 weeks and I destroyed 4 mice in the process. I finally broke down and bought two live fuzzies last night. He ate both within about 15 minutes. I thaw my frozen by placing them in a ziploc bag and immersing the bag in hot water for about 10 minutes. I then dry them using paper towels to remove any wetness. I attempt not to get any of my scent on them. I would rather feed frozen, due to accesability and mine and my families own desires. Any suggestions? Also, I handle it as often as possible 2-3 times per week. It is still striking and using it's tail to warn me off when I reach in the cage to get it. Will it grow out of this as it gets larger and continues to be handled? This is my first experience with snakes. I have since handled a 4 1/2 foot Black Rat which I caught while on a weekend retreat at a local forest. It was very docile and seemed to have no concern as I carried it around showing some of the youth that were with us. I then released it at the same location. This gave me hope that mine will change with growth. Sorry this is soooo long, hope someone will respond.

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Re: Black Rat not eating / Striking joe 12/21/00 (0)
Re: Black Rat not eating / Striking JY 12/21/00 (0)
Urge to hibernate???n/p Tom B 12/20/00 (0)

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: I have a Black Rat that was caught at my workplace in summer 1999. It was about 8 inches at the time, I figured a spring / summer hatchling. It is now about 2 foot long and has been feeding on frozen fuzzies somewhat well about every 7-10 days. It had not eaten for the last 6 weeks and I destroyed 4 mice in the process. I finally broke down and bought two live fuzzies last night. He ate both within about 15 minutes. I thaw my frozen by placing them in a ziploc bag and immersing the bag in hot water for about 10 minutes. I then dry them using paper towels to remove any wetness. I attempt not to get any of my scent on them. I would rather feed frozen, due to accesability and mine and my families own desires. Any suggestions? Also, I handle it as often as possible 2-3 times per week. It is still striking and using it's tail to warn me off when I reach in the cage to get it. Will it grow out of this as it gets larger and continues to be handled? This is my first experience with snakes. I have since handled a 4 1/2 foot Black Rat which I caught while on a weekend retreat at a local forest. It was very docile and seemed to have no concern as I carried it around showing some of the youth that were with us. I then released it at the same location. This gave me hope that mine will change with growth. Sorry this is soooo long, hope someone will respond.

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