Your Reptile and Amphibian Resource and Information Site

Back to Rat Snakes Forum   Forums   Home   Members Area  

Rat Snakes Forum

SaintsDolly   Like my balls   Like my balls   Rainbow4w   Rolandslf  
 Member  Message

 #2045300


SaintsDolly
View Profile

  Leucistic Texas Rat Snake-Help!

I just got a new leucistic rat snake. He was shipped to me overnight from a former owner. He’s not very old, and I will admit that the previous owner was not very specific in the details of the snake. He said that he was very sweet and that was about it. I’ve e-mailed him twice to ask him when was the last time that the snake had eaten and he replied but with no information concerning my question.
Anyway, I am very worried about him. When he arrived, he was bright in color and seemed very active. We waited a day or two for the stress of being shipped to die down, but he just will not eat. I have had him for almost a whole month. His skin is turning brown and he won’t climb anymore. He spent the past week hiding in the house I gave him and has not come out till recently. I tried for a long time to feed a small little feeder mouse, which he has shown no interest in. I am very worried about him. I don’t want to lose him. I have two other snakes, both pythons, and I have never had a problem like this. Please help!
07/25/09  07:58pm

 #2045406


Like my balls
View Profile



   Message To: SaintsDolly   In reference to Message Id: 2045300


  Leucistic Texas Rat Snake-Help!

I would check temps and make sure you have 2 hides cool side and warm side.
He might be sick the person didn’t contact you to see if he arrived safe ? that’s a red flag for me.
I got a leucistic and Some times he wont eat but when he does it’s like 3 pinkies at a time.
If i were you i would take em in to the vet.

Ambient temperatures of 74 - 82F. Enclosure length at least 2/3 the animal’s length, and width & height a minimum third of its length. Does not tolerate ambient temperatures over 90F for long periods.

A baby rat snake should begin feeding on small pinkie mice (newborns). A snake may be induced to feed by placing it in a small locking deli style container (with air holes) with crumpled paper towels and then introducing a food item (leave in overnight). As the snake grows increase the food size and if desired reduce the feeding frequency
07/26/09  12:01am

 #2045409


Like my balls
View Profile



   Message To: Like my balls   In reference to Message Id: 2045406


  Leucistic Texas Rat Snake-Help!

May be more apt to eat at night or with lights off, and may prefer to ambush prey from a hide box. Problematic babies may be apt to eat a dead mouse pinkie with its’ brain exposed. Try a variety of rodents and sizes. Is the animal sick? Reduce handling to a minimum. If an animal refuses all feeding attempts, consult a veterinarian or an experienced keeper for advice.



07/26/09  12:04am

 #2045945


Rainbow4w
View Profile



   Message To: Like my balls   In reference to Message Id: 2045409


  Leucistic Texas Rat Snake-Help!

My Leucistic Texas Rat named Pinky wouldn’t eat at all untill I put him in a small container. They did the same thing at the pet store to feed him. Rats are very nervous snakes sometimes. Pinky took about 3 months till he could eat in frunt of me......Hope this helps
07/27/09  01:25am

 #2045977


Rolandslf
View Profile



   Message To: Rainbow4w   In reference to Message Id: 2045945


  Leucistic Texas Rat Snake-Help!

About the only thing I can add is that my Leucy goes a tan/brown colour when in blue leading up to a shed. This is possibly the reason why yours’ won’t eat.
07/27/09  06:53am


Back to Rat Snakes Forum   Forums   Home   Members Area