Question

[Lankyrob]

When you say "i alos had a heating lamp on him" - i assume you were trying to feed in a separate container and put the heat lamp over that?

As long as your temps humidity etc are ok he probably just needs time to settle in - DONT HANDLE him until he has eaten for you a couple of times, feeding is more important than handling.

[DavethePython]

Yes Lanky , the way we were shown was to place him in a feeding tank seperate from his living cage. Place a heat lamp over it and feed him there. The reasoning we were given is this lessen the chance of an accidental bite by disassociating his home and our hands with feeding.

[Lankyrob]

Because he is new and you have to lift him out of the viv to feed him it is a possibility that that interaction stresses him enough not to eat. I feed all my guys in their vivs, have never been bitten whilst getting them out for handling etc

You could try putting a small plate in the viv and placing the prey item on there - i use plastic picnic plates

[DavethePython]

That was going to be my next option , at least for the next few feedings until he is comfortable . He may also have had a temp issue . He was warm but was not able to make the 90 degree zone for his basking . I have fixed that and now his tank is almost 90 on one end and 80 on the other. At night he sits at about 70 . This is the range we were given for him. All I had to do was change out my 75 watt for a 100 and it raised the temp almost enough. If I use the ceramic as well he is good .

[millertime89]

please get it on a thermostat.

[Lankyrob]

Any reason why you cool over night? I know some people do but personally i keep all my guys at constant temps 24/7 365 days a year. SAves fiddling around each day too

[DavethePython]

We are just going on the care instructions we were given.He is warm enough over night , and he prefers to come out and roam a little with the bright light off .

[millertime89]

you don't NEED to cool it at night, but it keeps the natural order of things.

[SnakeyJay]

I'd pop a lid on the aquarium tho... You'd be amazed at where a snake can get.. Plus it'll help with heat and humidity.

[DavethePython]

Sorry all , been a while since I was last on with the holidays and such. So I wanted to update. Dave is eating nicely. had 2 feedings problem free . He is socializing very well and loves to be out of his tank . He roams all over us when we are holding him. i am even far more comfortable with him now too. Ans yes now I am pretty sure he is a male. I tried the method someone had posted earlier in this thread and there was a definate bump. He roams all over his cage , he drinks frequently , and eats one fuzzy once a week. I think we are doing ok with him. I am even holding him lots now. He is very forgiving. He was letting me know I think that I was not ready to handle him and I was mistaking it for aggression. he has never tried to strike at me or anyone but every time I tried to pick him up he would ball up or try to run away . Now the last 3 r 4 days he sees my hand and he stretches out and does not even flinch when I touch him or try to pick him up. he loves to climb my arm and he is very interested in my laptop. Always trying to get to it lol. I think he must be feeling the heat from the CPU . I did find out tonight the pet store had mis priced him , we payed $150 for him and he was supposed to be $210 . We also found out he is a pastel and from what other friends of mine have told me , we got a great deal on him for that price. They have another there who was surrendered after the apt building she lived in had a severe fire. She is about 3 ft and 4 years old. I am thinking about taking her next . She has a very calm demeanor too. Guess it is true , snakes ARE like potato chips , you can't have just one