There are two CA Boas where I work that are not eating. They haven't been since they came in day one. They have been quarantined and examined multiple times but a good herp vet. Her diagnosis was "poor do'ers." Hmm...useless diagnosis IMHO.



They have been together away from all the other animals for upwards of approx. 4 months now. Maybe a little longer. I've lost track of time at this point! They are fantastic little snakes - pretty coloring, good temperments, fairly active...



But they won't eat. They have never struck out at anyone or anything. It's as if they have no desire to eat, or no prey drive. I was advised by another snake board to force feed them. I started with mouse and rat tails for the first month or so to be as gentle as possible with them and build up their digestive system. I then graduated them to pinkies (F/T). If they were eating on their own, they're more than large enough to eat large fuzzies, but I was hesitant to force something that size down their throats. They have done well on this so far, and I was giving them two each once a week. They kept them down just fine. I was told this would trigger a feeding response, but it never did. I have tried live pinkies (and fuzzies), anoles, and various methods of braining and so forth to no avail. You name it, I've probably tried it. They don't even show a bit of interest, and in fact, many times visibly get upset when put in a feeding container with food. They literally turn their noses away and won't have anything to do with it.



They are slowly growing and have maintained weight just fine. This past month, I have "starved" them and ceased all force feeding to see if they would eat when hungry enough. No luck yet, but I'm holding out.



I have been told I can just have them, as they obviously can't be sold if they aren't eating. What are the chances they could bounce back from this? What steps should I take at this point in regards to feeding? Keep force feeding weekly or wait them out?



I know snakes can go awhile without feeding, but I don't know what defines "awhile." I've heard 6 months to a year. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks!
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1 Thoroughbred

1 Mali Uromastyx

1 Bearded Dragon

1 Corn Snake

1 Milk Snake

3 German Shepherds

2 Birds (Conure and Cockatiel)

2 Rabbits

4 Fish tanks (SW and FW)

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