Re: Black rat won't eat

Posted by Derek B on October 30, 2001 at 20:05:21:

In Reply to: Black rat won't eat posted by Mike M. on October 30, 2001 at 18:52:19:

There are several factors to consider here. Where was the snake caught. If you live in the northern part of the range, the snake may be ready to cool down for the year. If you live in the southern portion of the range, as I do, the rat snakes are active well into Nov. If you are in the south, I would recommend trying various types of prey before resorting to brumation. Try small rats, mice, or even gerbils. If the snake seems shy around live prey, try placing fresh killed prey near the opening to its hide box. If you haven't already placed a hide box inside the cage, do so. Sometimes the snake just needs to feel secure before it will eat. If all this fails, and the snake has enough body weight to survive cooling, try that.

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: There are several factors to consider here. Where was the snake caught. If you live in the northern part of the range, the snake may be ready to cool down for the year. If you live in the southern portion of the range, as I do, the rat snakes are active well into Nov. If you are in the south, I would recommend trying various types of prey before resorting to brumation. Try small rats, mice, or even gerbils. If the snake seems shy around live prey, try placing fresh killed prey near the opening to its hide box. If you haven't already placed a hide box inside the cage, do so. Sometimes the snake just needs to feel secure before it will eat. If all this fails, and the snake has enough body weight to survive cooling, try that.

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