Posted by:
duffy
at Sun Oct 3 09:17:01 2004 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by duffy ]
At least for your reptiles. That one may know dogs and cats, but to tell you to force-feed your snake after just a WEEK without food (and showing signs of shed) is just plain ignorant.
The other posts all make good points: A week is nothing at ALL to worry about. Many snakes will go off feed when getting ready to shed. And MANY snakes will slow WAY down this time of year, regardless of temps (I think if the light they are exposed to is "natural" light ---ie, from a window--- they are responding to the shorter days)
How long can they go? Months, if they are healthy. One of my little garters (the size of yours or smaller) went 3 months last year without eating. Started right about this time of year, and after 2 months I put him in the basement (dark & colder) for an additional 3 weeks. When I brought him back up, he started feeding within the week...Slamming everything I put in front of him. His feeding response was so strong that I was able to make the switch to pinks with no fuss. Both my garters have been feeding like pigs all summer long, and, guess what? The one who went on a hunger strike last year at this time has not eaten in 2 weeks and the other one has not eaten in over a week. Am I worried? Heck no! Some of my ratsnakes are doing the same thing.
The first year I kept snakes, I about freaked when they would go off feed. Now I expect it this time of year. Good luck and keep us posted. Duffy
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Find a different vet! - duffy, Sun Oct 3 09:17:01 2004