Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a male green anaconda who hasn't eaten for almost a year. One day he just started rejecting food and hasn't eaten since then. Although he hasnt consumed anything he still looks healthy and thick and has shed multiple times during this time. When I put food items in his tank he is curious and rushed over and smells them but he never eats them. Is this normal behavior and if not does anyone have any suggestions to get him to start eating again?

It is not unusual for established greens to go off feed on occasion, and it is mostly seen in males, but sometimes females will do so as well. And there are a few that never refuse a meal for years. When it occurs, it usually lasts for a few weeks, and sometimes for up to 2 or 3 months, but rarely longer. Going off feed for a year is very unusual for an established green, even for a male. It sounds like he is interested, and that is perplexing to me that he is not taking it with the interest he is showing. Have you changed the feeder source or type? Are there any temperature issues? It is hard to tell if in your case it is a health or environment issue, and it could be neither. If these issues can be ruled out, I think the next step would be to re-establish a feeding pattern again with a different and more attractive food source as this may stimulate him to start feeding regularly. Once a feeding pattern is established again, it is highly likely that he will return to his standard food type without much trouble.

I think the best choice would be some type of bird, whatever is most readily available to you, (chicks, ducklings, pigeons, etc.) Birds usually get their attention quickly. Take a shot at this and see if it gets him going again. If that doesn’t work after a few tries, post again and we can look at a different approach. Good luck,

Kelly