Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[jenny s]

Hi My panther used to be a pig! Anything that moved he had. You could hand feed him every day which I really enjoyed. This last two weeks he has really been off his food, only wants the odd wax worm and occasionally a hopper only if I put it in the viv, wont take it from my hand.
He still looks great, and is very active. I've not changed the heat or humidity, have noticed him drinking a lot when I spray though. He's about 3 years old, do you reckon he's winding down 'cos that's getting on a bit for panthers isn't it?
Thanks for any advice please.

jenny

[kroakykaren]

Hi Jenny, i dont think 3 is that old for a male could be he is just bored with the food items, i know mine has fads, or he could be thinking about ladies, in all honesty i really dont know, maybe Rick will have some idea when he comes on
_________________

[lol93]

Have you tried silkworms? My male yemen is a very fussy eater, but always goes mad for silkworms. Other good ones to try are butterworms and lobster roaches.
_________________

[redbelly]

Not a bad age for a panther,as karen said could be bored of the normal prey items,try some roaches,silkies,House flys ect,flying insects will catch his eye for sure,
When a panther is full grown,they only eat to maintain they body condition and body mass,Feeding reduces a fair bit as the animal has stopped growing and feeding is required less.
There are lots of other factors that can effect feeding,stress,Temperature,Coming up to a shed and illness,
I would suggest that you have a good look at the next "Stool" and run it down to your vets to be tested,also excessive drinking can be a bad sign indicating a problem with the kidneys and liver.

All the best
Luke
_________________
I feed your eyes with chameleon pics!!!!

[Rickeezee]

Same as what others have said. I only feed my adult panthers about three / four times a week and only as much as they will eat in the space of about 30 minutes.

It may also be a sign of something else as Luke has said.

They do have food fads and can get bored easily with some foods, so its worth trying a few new food items to stimulate him to see if that may work.

Vets is best if he refuses to eat for a prolonged period, you could allways mix some critical care formula into his drinking water to stimulate his appetite?

Best of luck.
_________________
www.rickslivefood.co.uk

[jenny s]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I'm going to get some silk worms and butter worms, see if that tempts him. I'll keep you posted.

[jenny s]

Hi everyone
Just to let you know Bruce loves the silkworms, won't take them from my hand though but as long as he's eating that's the main thing. Just wondering what I can feed them on? They arrived in a flat round dish with wood shavings in but there was a lump of what looked like poo (sorry !) so I went to take it out but there was no smell to it so I put it back wondering if it was their food. Any ideas?

Thanks Jenny

[kroakykaren]

Hi Jenny, yes its the food its made from mulberry leaves, you can buy it on line, i will have a search for the link for you found it here you go

http://www.silkworm-supplies.co.uk/WITLF1.htm
_________________