Albino Sand Boa. How long without eating before I become concerned?

[Journeyman]

Hi,
My son's new Albino Sand boa that is about 6 months old isn't eating. We bought him from a breeder that has been very helpful. I thought I would avoid wearing out my welcome with him by asking questions here and doing our own research.

We've had our boa for almost 2 weeks. Tried feeding him on Wed. 10/23. Didn't want the thawed/warmed pinky when offered with tongs. Tried feeding in an enclosed plastic container with air holes in the middle of his tank. Left him in there for 8 hours with pinky. Didn't eat it. Waited 2 days and repeated putting him in container with pinky overnight. still no interest. As far as i know he has gone almost 2 weeks without eating. He doesn't appear to be shedding because his eyes are clear. He seems content/alert when held.

When do i have to be concerned?

[alessia55]

Someone should be on soon to answer your question :)

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[formica]

there is no need to move him into a separate container, you are just adding stress to the situation, and he's probably already pretty stressed with the move from the breeder

I'd suggest leaving him alone for 4-5 days, dont handle him or disturb him, then try a feed, in his enclosure, dont move him into another box, put it on a piece of paper towel if you are concerned about substrate ingestion (what substrate are you using?), impaction is not usually an issue with a correct setup

[CK SandBoas]

Two weeks is nothing to be concerned about, unless the animal is extremely underweight. I would let him be for at least a week, with no handling. Then offer him a nice and hot pinky, leave him be, even cover the enclosure so he feels nice and secure, and if need be, leave the pinky in overnight.

It's also possible, if it's a male, he is interested in Breeding already. Males become sexually mature quicker than females, and they tend to lose interest in food at this time of year.

[Journeyman]

there is no need to move him into a separate container, you are just adding stress to the situation, and he's probably already pretty stressed with the move from the breeder

I'd suggest leaving him alone for 4-5 days, dont handle him or disturb him, then try a feed, in his enclosure, dont move him into another box, put it on a piece of paper towel if you are concerned about substrate ingestion (what substrate are you using?), impaction is not usually an issue with a correct setup

Thank you for your reply. I'm using 2" of Aspen Bedding. I will leave him alone and feed him as you suggest in a few days. :)

[sharthun]

Hey and welcome.

[Journeyman]

Two weeks is nothing to be concerned about, unless the animal is extremely underweight. I would let him be for at least a week, with no handling. Then offer him a nice and hot pinky, leave him be, even cover the enclosure so he feels nice and secure, and if need be, leave the pinky in overnight.

It's also possible, if it's a male, he is interested in Breeding already. Males become sexually mature quicker than females, and they tend to lose interest in food at this time of year.

I had read about them altering their habits during breeding but didn't think it pertained to this baby boa. so much to learn. I'm going to leave him alone for several days and try feeding him again. The concept of an animal being stressed is so foreign to me because from our perspective, we've given them a wonderful home. He obviously sees things differently. thanks for the feedback.

[formica]

I had read about them altering their habits during breeding but didn't think it pertained to this baby boa. so much to learn. I'm going to leave him alone for several days and try feeding him again. The concept of an animal being stressed is so foreign to me because from our perspective, we've given them a wonderful home. He obviously sees things differently. thanks for the feedback.

snakes are unable to rationalize things, all he knows, is his environment has changed and he has no idea where the safe places to hide are, lots of new smells and tastes overwhelming him, and there are big scary predators wondering around, staring at him, picking him up and possibly thinking about eating him....gotta think like a baby snake :)