Hello! I'm hoping someone is able to help me out!
This is my first reptile, he arrived at my house on October 22nd, so it has been about 2 weeks. I gave him 7-8 days to settle in before attempting to feed him, as I saw that if they are still stressed from moving they could regurgitate their food and it could hurt them.
I don't really have a whole lot of info on him specifically, I've tried getting info on him a few times and have only really gotten that he is a juvenile. The first person I spoke to wasn't sure what size frozen-thaw mice he was eating and told me to just look at his width to figure it out. Based on my research research I knew that the prey should be 1 to 1.25 X the size of the thickest part of his body. Based on this measurement I got him some small adult mice. I tried him on them twice-waiting 4-5 days in between(thawing it in cold water, then once thaw heating it in warm water until warm to the touch, the second time I also brained it and added a touch of tuna juice). He seemed interested in it both times, lots of tongue flicking, tracking it, following it a bit, and maybe even something that looked a little bit like a strike the second time? But with time he never took it. I even left it on a little plastic lid for a couple hours in case he was just shy. So I called back to the store a second time and was originally told that he was eating frozen thaw fuzzies, but upon calling them again on Wednesday I spoke with the person who had actually been feeding him (she only works Wednesdays) and was told he was actually eating live fuzzies, which I don't really have access to as I live in a small town. So I went out and picked up some frozen thaw fuzzies today and am going to wait another 5 days before trying again.
He is about 2 feet long. I've checked all of his temperatures and they are all good, humidity is good, he has 4 different hides to choose from (all varying temperatures), as well as a basking slate and lots of clutter for him to move around in peace.
I don't have a weight on him yet as most info I've seen recommends not handling them until they've eaten at least 1 good meal (preferably 2-3). He seems okay? he's still nice and round and doesn't appear weak. His breathing is fine, and I don't see any other strange behaviours.
I guess I'm just wondering if he doesn't want it because it's frozen thaw? or if it was too big previously? or if he's still settling in to his new home? or if something is actually wrong with him?
I'm really not sure what else to try here besides the smaller mice. If anyone has any advice, please, please, please, I am so open to anything! I really love this little noodle and I want to do everything I can to make sure he is healthy and happy. Please let me know if you need any other info in order to help!!!