Bredli gone off food

[John962]

My male bredli is very active at night as usual but he's gone a bit intermittent with feeding lately. I'm wondering whether I'm feeding him too often now he's about full size? Or could he have got bored of rats and want something different? He's about 6.5 feet. I offer him a large rat every three weeks. Thanks

[Andy_G]

Without knowing your husbandry it's hard to know. I would recommend not switching up prey items. They don't "get bored" of a certain type of food...they instinctually consume it as a means of survival, not entertainment. Certain factors can block this instincutal response such as improper husbandry, breeding, or illness. My guess is that he may be looking for a lady, but this should pass in another month or so.

[EL Ziggy]

I agree with Andy. Double check your husbandry. If that's dialed in then it could be breeding season or he could just be taking a break. They'll do that sometimes. Once your carpet has a strong imprint of it's staple food type I don't see anything wrong with offering a different prey item every once in a while. My carpets eat rats primarily, but I'll also give them mice, chicks, and asf's. I plan to offer them quail and will try small rabbits when they're large enough. I have a young Bredli hatchling. I'd love to see a picture of your adult. :)

[John962]

Hi, thanks for the replies. His husbandry is the same as ever - 26 cool end -35 hot end in the daytime, night time heating goes off for 9 hours and temps drop to low twenties. Humidity I haven't measured but it's not high - he has a fairly small water bowl for the size of the viv. I'll try posting a picture later. He's a lovely snake. All the best, John

[EL Ziggy]

Your husbandry is spot on. If he's not ill then it sounds like your guy might be looking for a lady John :). How old is he and is the first year he's taken a food break?

[John962]

Your husbandry is spot on. If he's not ill then it sounds like your guy might be looking for a lady John :). How old is he and is the first year he's taken a food break?

He's nearly 4 years old and never missed a feed until just recently.

[Albert Clark]

The other possibility is he may just not be hungry. Why don't you consider increasing the time interval for his meals? Instead of every 3 weeks switch to every 28 days. A large rat is a big meal. He will be fine missing a couple of meals. Make sure he stays hydrated.

[John962]

The other possibility is he may just not be hungry. Why don't you consider increasing the time interval for his meals? Instead of every 3 weeks switch to every 28 days. A large rat is a big meal. He will be fine missing a couple of meals. Make sure he stays hydrated.

Hi Albert, granted, a large rat is a big meal so I'll try that. He hides away for a about 5 few days after eating, then he's roving his viv all night again - very active!

[John962]

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af357/johnhufton/WB150F/SAM_1639.jpg (http://s1023.photobucket.com/user/johnhufton/media/WB150F/SAM_1639.jpg.html)

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af357/johnhufton/WB150F/SAM_1599.jpg (http://s1023.photobucket.com/user/johnhufton/media/WB150F/SAM_1599.jpg.html)

A couple of photos of my bredli!

[jpsteele80]

Do you have any breeder ready females around, my male platty retic goes off food around every November ready for breeding season.

[Albert Clark]

Hi Albert, granted, a large rat is a big meal so I'll try that. He hides away for a about 5 few days after eating, then he's roving his viv all night again - very active!

Hey John, he looks amazing! Congrats. :yes:

[macandchz]

john962 maybe he's just taking a food break. they all do it once in a while. he is a great looking snake. love the close-up!

[gebon]

Nice Bredli:)

[EL Ziggy]

Very nice critter John.

[John962]

Ah shucks, thanks guys!