Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a two year old that stopped eating over the summer and I have tried scenting, small enclosures, live and have had no luck. Any ideas? One of his brothers that I gave a student in my class stopped eating at the same time.

Should I try to force feed?

Thanks!

Brian

It's not eating for a reason and you need to find out what that reason is... So, you should bring it to a vet and have him run a stool sample on it..

Thats really the best way to find out what is going on..

~ Mike Russo

Just curious - how do you get a stool sample if it's not eating and therefore presumably not pooing?

In my experience, as long as the snake is drinking there will be some waste. Although it may be minimal..

One example of this would be during hibernation. Even though you hold off food for a few weeks prior to hibernation and the animal has been down for 6/7 weeks it is not uncommon for them to still expel some waste. At least mine have been doing so for the last 16 winters..

Regardless of any of this, if an adult snake stops eating for an extended period of time and you don't know why a vet visit is in order prior to force feeding. Would you not agree??

~ Mike Russo

Oh definately, I was just wondering about how to get the sample. I only have the one snake and she's never hibernated so wasn't sure about excreting.
Wasn't questioning you by the way, it really was just curiosity!

Hope he starts eating again soon bmulcahy!

Thanks for the thouhgts. Going to the vet tomorrow.