Running out of tricks, need advice

[Stefan-A]

As some of you know, I've been having problems with an adult(ish) female parietalis that got picky a few months ago. She will only eat worms, scenting doesn't work. Haven't tried starving her for more than four weeks at a time yet. I've managed to get a few mice into her since the end of May and a couple of small fish, maybe one per month average, but I don't see any kind of pattern. Some have been accepted only after dark (none of them recently), and only one scented. Temperatures are dropping and worms will only be available for a few more weeks; can't store them outside or the cold will kill them, can't store them indoors or the heat probably will.

She's fed really well up until this little episode and she looks and acts healthy. Her weight hasn't dropped. Temperatures are correct, so is the humidity.

Obviously this is a concern because of the low nutritional value of worms, especially when it comes to calcium (even if I've dusted the worms and I give calcium lactate with the drinking water), and because they won't be available for much longer. There's nothing wrong with her appetite, she has just become damn picky.

I definitely need more tricks.

[adamanteus]

You said you'd tried 'posting' other foods, didn't you, Stefan?

[Stefan-A]

Edit: Right, "posting". Took a moment before I got what you meant. Yeah, I tried that. Didn't work, she avoids the forceps and runs the second she sees them.

[adamanteus]

Just as the last of the worm is in the snakes throat, before she closes her mouth, you delicately place a piece of fish or pinky in, directly behind it....so the swallowing action of the snake continues uninterrupted. It takes a bit of practice but it works well for me.

[Stefan-A]

Indeed, I remembered that trick from before I even got my first snake. Somebody suggested it for a corn that wouldn't eat enough, IIRC.

Hasn't worked for me.

[adamanteus]

Edit: Right, "posting". Took a moment before I got what you meant. Yeah, I tried that. Didn't work, she avoids the forceps and runs the second she sees them.

Disguise the forceps, Stefan!

[Stefan-A]

What, make a ghillie suit for them?

[adamanteus]

What, make a ghillie suit for them?

Well, basically, yes!

[Stefan-A]

Gotcha. Any other ideas? I suspect it's not the forceps that freak her out, but the food item. I don't think she's reacted to the forceps themselves or the hook (yes I use one ) at all really.

I admit I haven't tried salmon yet. I don't see why it would work any better, though.

[adamanteus]

I think, with patience (and a slow, steady hand) you could master 'posting' Stefan. Stick with it.