Is she starting to brumate or....

[Smid]

Hello,

Just a quick question, Smid (1.5yrs) has been acting a bit strange lately - she hasn't been eating as much as normal - maybe one worm a day instead of 5 and of course she eats the butterworm, not the supers... and she isn't touching her greens. Well that is unless when I get home and move her from her hammock or stick to right in front of the bowls, then she may or may not eat... She isn't sleeping or hiding out in her cave - just relaxing and not eating.

Last night I had my tent set up in the house to dry out from the weekend and she toured all around it licking so she is still curious - but not eating. Any ideas what is going on? The temps are all good and the MVB is approaching 5 months old.

Liz

 

[zebraflavencs]

It isn't brumation. You are in your summer as we are. Is she getting ready for a shed ?
Janie.

 

[Smid]

I think so, but she has never not eaten before, even when she was shedding all the time. Hopefully that is all it is

 

[zebraflavencs]

Just keep an eye on her ( as if you wouldn't !) and keep us posted. Perhaps a change in feeders could be in order. What are you feeding her ?
Oh, and bath her on a daily basis, until she is finished with her shed. My 3 boys won't eat, won't do much of anything, while shedding. Just has the shed grumps.
After wards, though, they dash through a whole lot of salad and feeders !
Janie.

 

[Smid]

She's been eating superworms and butters (4-1) since Feb - maybe she's sick of them - I know I would be if I ate the same thing all the time. I tried pw's but they were so small, expensive and a lot came out whole. I've been thinking of horn or silk worms but didn't want to order them if she wasn't eating... but maybe i'll try and get my hands on a few. I already bathe her every second day, so i'll just cater to the little princess a bit more

Thanks

 

[zebraflavencs]

Quite welcome. Oh something else just occurred to me. Could she possibly be gravid with infertile eggs ? Is she doing a lot of digging in and out of her viv ?
Janie.

 

[Smid]

no, thankfully no digging is going on, but i'll keep my eyes open for that.

 

[zebraflavencs]

To be sure. Maybe she is just pouting..... My boys tend to do that if they think they are properly attended to. Anyhow, the answer should resolve itself in a week or so
Janie.

 

[Smid]

I think I have figured it out.... I tried putting just her greens in before I go to work and feeding the protein when I get home.

Day 1 - very few greens left and all worms gone in seconds of being in the cage.

Day 2 - didn't touch greens until the worms were brought out

I think she is pouting as I have gone back to work and moved two provinces away from my boyfriend so it's just her and me, and a me that is away apparently more then Smid thinks is necessary. Hopefully this works (and I also think she is starting to shed)

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Liz