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cant seem to get copperhead to eat !!!!
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by strayvoltage3 on September 30, 2001
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I have owned many venomous snakes, but this one wont eat! I know that he has eaten or he wouldnt be almost 18" please help (he was supposed to have been captive born I now know that is probably not the case
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RE: cant seem to get copperhead to eat !!!!
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by scottquint on October 1, 2001
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I have kept a few dozen or so copperheads and I have had some refuse to eat mice. Some of those came around after about a month, But some just outright refused mice. So a few were happy to take toads, frogs, lizards and other cold blooded prey. All of my copperheads were wild caught except for some born from my own wild caught adults. The newborns were the most stubborn. When nothing works, liberation to the wild is my ususal recourse.
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RE: cant seem to get copperhead to eat !!!!
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by ZooDoc on October 10, 2001
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There are several factors that could be influencing the snake. Many of these are related directly to its captive born or wild caught status.
First, I would consider stress as a good possibility to the animal. Whether it is c.b. or w.c. the animal is undoubtedly stressed by something in its new environment. Potentially the animal may be suffering from a parasitic load. It is also possible the problem could be a bacterial infection. Any of these factors would slow down or prevent the specimens desire to eat.
To reduce stress, I would try to replicate its natural habitat with plenty of shelters to seek refuge in. I would ascertain the current temperature readings and determine if there is adequate heat, a potential overheating, or improper thermal gradient. Before feeding, I would allow the animal to acclimate to its new home for several days. A light misting should allow for the animal to become accustomed to the scents present in its new home.
Upon the completion of the animal’s introduction to its new surroundings, I would present a small, easily swallowed prey item. I would start with a small mouse, possibly a fuzzy or even a small hopper. After placement, I would mist the cage lightly to allow for the prey items scent to be easily sensed. Feed the snake in the evening and turn off all lights except any red light heat bulbs you have.
If this manner does not work, I would try several other potential prey items (i.e. tree frog, toad, anole, etc…) each night. It is important to give the animal an off night in-between tries to keep stress at a minimum.
If at any time the specimen passes any fecal waste, I would attempt to contact a reputable vet or possible a nature center/zoo/museum that can process a fecal specimen for you to see if any parasites are present. The sample must be fresh and not frozen. It’s best to collect it and place it in a ziplock baggie and refrigerate. Potentially a parasitic load can be fatal if not treated so I would certainly consider this as a possibility to the animal’s lack of interest inn food.
I hope this helps your situation. Please feel to contact me directly if I can be of other help.
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RE: cant seem to get copperhead to eat !!!!
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by biff on October 14, 2001
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Hi Zoodoc...sounds like very solid advice, how can you be contacted directly??
Thanks,
Steve
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RE: cant seem to get copperhead to eat !!!!
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by ZooDoc on October 23, 2001
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I can be reached at my office:
Dr Mark A Patterson
c/o Lanier Museum of Natural History
2601 Buford Dam Rd
Buford, GA 30518
770.932.4460
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