Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My anaconda has been occasionally refusing food, sometimes for a few weeks. Recently I ran out of frozen rats and it took longer than usual for more to arrive and now that they have he isn't accepting them. I don't really understand this behavior, although he looks healthy it just doesn't seem normal for him to refuse food. I've had him for over 2 years now and he's never refused food for this long before. is this normal behavior or is there something wrong with him?

You stated that you have had this male for 2 years, but I don't know his age when you acquired him. If he is currently over 2 years of age, and assuming he is in good health, it is quite possible that he could be in reproductive mode. Cooler winter temperatures can trigger reproductive physiological changes in male greens that can cause many, but not all of them, to go off feed for certain periods in the winter. Additionally, they will usually deposit "sperm plugs" that appear as small, inch long rubber-like ribbons of tissue on the cage floor. Several years ago, my largest male went off feed and started producing sperm plugs at 2.5 years of age and about 8 feet in length. He has gone off feed every winter since. I would not be concerned as long as he resumes feeding again within 3 months or so. You might also try raising the cage temp slightly as well to shorten this period.

Kelly

My yellow has been fasting the past 3 winters...and fasting longer each year.....this year will be nearly 6 months fasting!!He will resume again mid Feb.......stop trying to feed your snake for the next 7 weeks, you can let night time temps fall too. My male usually loses around 10 pounds which is regained after a few months.......consider it a break in feeding and cleaning lol.