Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a just-turned-4 male BP who has refused to eat for about 5 weeks now. I know they often stop for no reason in the middle of winter, but I've had him almot the full 4 years and he has ALWAYS been a steady eater (eats every week, no problems, except when about to shed).

He has a nice warm Vision cage with a radiant heat panel & good humidity. He's in good condition, but since he's never stopped before, I'm getting worried. He always looks interested, and licks all around it, but then just wanders off.

When should I really start to worry? I've been trying him every 2-3 days now, and am alternating mice & rats in case he decided he doesn't like either. I try the wiggle, and I make sure they're warm. He's never had live, so I don't really want to try that. Anything else I should try?

Thanks!!

Brooke

I'd keep track of his weight. If he really isnt losing all that much body mass I wouldnt worry yet so long as long as he doesnt seem sick.

When they are really small, a small loss in weight is a bigger deal.

Also, sometimes trying live seems to kick them back into eating.

Alan

Is there anything I can do (besides tempt him with a live mouse) that I can do?

I don't have a scale; how should I keep track of body condition?

How is he acting? Is there fluid coming from his nostrils? Is he acting lethargic? Is his head swaying around?

If he seems like his old self, I wouldnt panic? However, I am not a vet.

You can buy a scale at Wal-Mart for $20 or a large mouse for $1.50 or a small rat for $3.00?

I would go with the large mouse and see how it goes.

Also, if you have the cash, buy the scale.

Its very helpful to track the weight of your snake. If they are eating and not gaining weight, they may have parasites...stuff like that.

Snakes can go for a long time, (over a year), without eating.

He is his normal, adorable, quasi-arboreal (thinks he is, anyway) self. Still bright & alert and liking to watch TV with me He just shed, and has been shedding normally.

Thanks for the help. I just wasn't sure of the proper panicking time frame!

Brooke

A nice thing about scales is that you can chart a snake's growth and produce these graphs that make everyone think that you're taking this whole hobby too seriously.

Bill

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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.