Another Burm Feeding Question

JimmyRenex · 04-30-05, 09:40 AM

Hey Guys..
I have had this little guy for about 8 months. I was told he was eating 5 lb rabbits at the time. I have jumbo rats that I feed my 8 ft. female, so I fed him as many as he would eat every couple of weeks. (I don't power feed my snakes). As we all know the price of jumbo rats is crazy, I have started breeding my own rabbits. He has eaten 2 so far, but really shows not much interest in them until he is really hungry. He'll go at least a month or 2 before he shows any interest. I want him on rabbits as the female is now takin them without hesitation. I have a few rats left and will get him to finish those off first but then want him on Rabbits only. I tried the blood on the head and heating it up, still no interest. ( I heat up the rats and he takes them right away). I think he may have been eating live? Is it normal for them to wait that long before feeding? All my other burms have never refused a meal at any time. This guy seems picky. Anyone gone thru this? I would like to hear your views... Thanks...

Hear is a pic of him.... Looks healthy to me...

Thanks Again...

tHeGiNo · 04-30-05, 10:05 AM

There is nothing wrong with a month or two lapse between the feeding of large meals. How big are the rabbits in comparison to his girth?

JimmyRenex · 04-30-05, 10:35 AM

Hey Gino..
The rabbits are about size of mid body girth, maybe a bit smaller. very slight bulge after hes done.

tHeGiNo · 04-30-05, 10:43 AM

Ah. Maybe the prey item is too small then? I have a few snakes who will not eat a prey item which is small (ie. their girth size) unless they haven't eaten for a month or so. On the same note, some snakes just don't like rabbits, maybe thats the case here. I would try a larger rabbit if possible, and take it from there.

JimmyRenex · 04-30-05, 11:13 AM

I was hoping that is not the case (not liking rabbits) He is in great shape otherwise; shed a couple of days ago ( complete one 12 ft piece) . The rabbits were not mine so who knows what they may have smelled like. I have heard of snakes that only eat from one source. I will try mine when they get a bit bigger and see if he goes for it. Until then maybe I will keep starving him out for a couple months ....

CARLiTO_ · 04-30-05, 03:04 PM

a month off feed is not bad, they usually only eat once a month in the wild. What you should do is keep one rat just to scent the rabbit.