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RE: force feeding
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by 23bms on October 25, 2008
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Northern Prairies normally shut down in September or October and don't start feeding again until April or May. I have a WC adult from the Nebraska sand hills that has been in captivity for about ten years. It doesn't matter what you do with temperature, humidity or light cycles. It simply stops feeding from fall until spring. Other individuals I've had from North and South Dakota have behaved the same. If your specimen is from the north it is programmed for a five month on and seven month off feeding cycle. Granted, there are always exceptions to the rule and any of them MAY take an occasional mouse in between. Nevertheless, I wouldn't worry unless you reach midsummer and it still won't eat.
jrb
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RE: force feeding
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by tj on October 26, 2008
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Danny, if you have a room that doesn't get used much, close your registers so there is no heat to the room, shut the blinds, give it fresh water, and check the snake every week or so.
The room shouldn't get much cooler than 55 degrees.
MAKE SURE THE ANIMAL HAS DEFECATED before doing so. It may still have food inside it and it will not be able to metabolize it when it is brumating.
I usually brumated around October til late March. Most of my animals would tell me the time was right, as they would all go off feed. When it comes time and it still doesn't feed, you may want to try assist feeding with a few pieces of foam. One on the bottom and one on the top of the snake with only it's head poking out.
You'll be able to force a food item to the snake in a way that's safe for both of you.
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RE: force feeding
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by agkistrodude on October 29, 2008
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Danny, it may be just trying to burmate, as others have stated.You could leave it undisturbed for a week or so and try feeding it again. I don't always cool down my snakes, sometimes I have other things in the room that can't be cooled. But some go off feed anyway. One in particular, a Southern Copperhead I've had for 19 years, stops eating like clockwork every September and won't eat again until May or the 1st week of June, no matter what the temp is. Marty
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