Young Royal Python Has NOT Eaten Whilst In My Care!

[SpiderFreek]

Hey guys,
I got a young royal python for Christmas '09
And she has not yet eaten at all
She has shed her skin once but that was about a month or so ago now
I try feeding her once a week but she just completely ignores the prey
I don't know what to do
Any advice is welcome
Thanks
-Matt

[markhill]

have you read the snake feeding tips sticky at the top of the page?

[Mik3F]

Can you let us know how you have the setup

temps, size, hides etc

Feeding trouble can quite often be rectifed with correct husbandry

[SpiderFreek]

Originally Posted by Mik3F

Can you let us know how you have the setup

temps, size, hides etc

Feeding trouble can quite often be rectifed with correct husbandry

Okay, the husbandry probably isn't perfect but I am limited due to money
She's in a suitable sized plastic Faunarium with a heat mat stuck on the inside on the side of the enclosure and a piece of polystyrene is stuck ont eh outside to reflect the heat
She has a cave which she uses all the time and I have some fake leaves that hang down from the side
She has a piece of wood to climb on and she does have a water bowl
She appears perfectly healthy, flicking her tongue and being active and inquisitive... She just does not feed at all =/
Like I said, if I had more money i'd have her in a small wooden viv with a bulb but I can't afford that at the moment lol

-Matt

[Mik3F]

Firstly put the heatmat underneath the faun touching the bottom of it. Place it at one end to create a hot spot and temp gradient. Put the hide on top of the heat mat.

Do you have a thermostat? If not you really need one.

You don't need a viv for the time being, the faunarium will do just fine when it's set up correctly

[12kslr33]

Originally Posted by Mik3F

Firstly put the heatmat underneath the faun touching the bottom of it. Place it at one end to create a hot spot and temp gradient. Put the hide on top of the heat mat.

Do you have a thermostat? If not you really need one.

You don't need a viv for the time being, the faunarium will do just fine when it's set up correctly

Agree except for the hide part. If there is only 1 hide then i would place it at the cool end. The snake will make its way to the warm end at night, ideally though 2 hides should be provided even if it is just a cereal box.

[SpiderFreek]

Originally Posted by Mik3F

Firstly put the heatmat underneath the faun touching the bottom of it. Place it at one end to create a hot spot and temp gradient. Put the hide on top of the heat mat.

Do you have a thermostat? If not you really need one.

You don't need a viv for the time being, the faunarium will do just fine when it's set up correctly

You sure it's a good idea putting the heat mat underneath?
Royals burrow to keep cool so burrowing into the heat source won't be very good lol
No I don't have a thermostat =/
They're like £30 or something like that
I've never used one lol
The heat mat doesn't reach a temperature that could burn the snake
It's warm to the touch but not scoulding lol
-Matt

[wendywoo]

Originally Posted by SpiderFreek

You sure it's a good idea putting the heat mat underneath?
Royals burrow to keep cool so burrowing into the heat source won't be very good lol
No I don't have a thermostat =/
They're like £30 or something like that
I've never used one lol
The heat mat doesn't reach a temperature that could burn the snake
It's warm to the touch but not scoulding lol
-Matt

£30 to keep your snake healthy is really worth it. well i think so anyway

[Mik3F]

Yes the heatmat needs to go on the bottom of the faun.

You REALLY need to get a thermostat, the heat mat may not feel hot to you but it could easily burn a snake if left unstatted.

Use a digital thermometer and measure the temperature that the mat is reaching, I bet you will be suprised.

As the previous poster said 2 hides is much preferable to one

[12kslr33]

Originally Posted by SpiderFreek

You sure it's a good idea putting the heat mat underneath?
Royals burrow to keep cool so burrowing into the heat source won't be very good lol
No I don't have a thermostat =/
They're like £30 or something like that
I've never used one lol
The heat mat doesn't reach a temperature that could burn the snake
It's warm to the touch but not scoulding lol
-Matt

Under belly heating is good for Royals.

As for the rest of your post i think you should refrain from the use of 'lol' when talking about the health and safety of an animal in your care. I know the 7w heat mats dont get hot enough but you never know and its not worth the risk. Would you not have a smoke alarm in your house or not wear a seat belt when in a car.

You have a duty to provide for this animal and if you cant afford it you shouldnt be keeping it at all!