Baby IJ won't eat...

[Bree]

Chelsea,  I'm not what I'd call 'experienced' but I do have 2 former hatchlings that wouldn't eat (diamond x coastal) and 2 yearlings (diamond x jungle).    The yearlings took right back to eating quickly and I was able to convert them to f/t.

 The hatchlings weve very difficult for me initially.  I never used any sort of scenting with down, or frogs.   I prekilled pinky mice at first,  then brained/gutted- basically getting the snake happy juices going.    Even then it took alot of time for them to be interested.  I would leave it in its home, with a place it can get high up on.  On one occassion I put it on the branch they have in their bed (seperated them of course and fed individually)  Hatchling Carpet Pythons are used to feeding higher then their prey.  And once they really get that scent, and they will rub their little faces in it, then they will be totally interested and feed.  I was able to generally get 2 pinkies down them at that time.  It took me about 6 weeks to get them to eat,  with the 6th week being the prekill/gutting fest.  Both are eating pre-killed hoppers now with gusto.  And will move up as size permits.  They've eaten a few rat pinkies as well, that aren't too big for them.

I promise you the gutting and braining works.  I merely do a slice over the abdomen, and then crack the skull slightly.  If you squeeze a bit the pinky is small enough to get pretty juicy.  Your wee one will respond.  It may take a try or two but I've used this technique with hatchling BP's and Carpet Pythons and it has never failed to work.

Best of luck!

[CinderellaBoy]

I really didn't want the little guy, but I figured what the hell.

Damn, if I had a nickle for every time I said that  .

Anyway,looks like all the bases have been covered here, any luck with your little ....it?

[illbeyoursoldier]

He never did start eating for me, and its been forever. I tried f/t, alive, pinkies, fuzzies, baby gerbils, brained, halved, chicken feathers, chicken broth, egg yolk, overnight sittings... A local friend has him now, and no luck there either. I took everyone's advice on temp and cage setup. I don't think he'll make it.

[Southern_Boa_Gurl]

That sucks hun, sorry to hear about it and really hope he decides to eat

[aaramire]

Aww sad, poor guy! I hope he eats soon.

[Herp_junky]

Carpet Pythons are notorious for being slow starters,some will take up to 3 months to take their first meal. I have 2 diamond/Jungle x Coastal Tiger's born on 8/24/09 and they both just took their first meal. Scenting ,braining,soaking,washing did not work for mine either,but I put them both in paper bags with a pinky apiece and placed the bags in the cages to keep temps comforatble,one ate on the first try and the other on the third try. Good luck I know it can drive you nuts when a snake won't eat but just as your about to give up,they eat:).

[Robert]

Any work on your IJ? I had a young problem feeder a few years ago and i would put him in a deli cup for a few hours...but it wasnt until the 5th time before he ate. ....and everytime after that he ate in the deli cup.

I know you tried this from reading your posts.....anyways...i hope the little guy pulls through for ya!

[crown0826]

Any new news on him eating chelsea??

[Robert]

Any updates?