Reptile & Amphibian Forums

He's probably more than 3 1/2 years, but not a lot. We got him when he was about 18" and he's close to 3' now. He has regularly eaten frozen white and black mice (typically white) and except for some early hiccups, he's been hungry when fed. He hasn't eaten now for 5 weeks. We have no clue why. We have taken him out of the cage and held him for extended periods; he isn't biting or seeming agitated. In the evenings, when he's in the cage, he's out and about and checking out the world. But, when we offer him a thawed mouse, he seems a bit interested and then backs away. No amount of time/effort seems to make a difference. He is otherwise strong and active; his eyes are clear. He shed about a week ( /-) before we last tried to feed him.

Could he just be not hungry? I've looked at information on-line and see that they do fast; it is unclear how long they might and it suggests that they only fast for long periods if you are preparing to breed them, which we are not.

Today we tried switching for normal white mice to black (which he has occasionally been offered before and has always eaten) but see no change.

We're planning to take him to the vet tomorrow, but if anyone can tell me this is a normal stage and he's ok, we'd be grateful.

He is, technically, my 12 year old daughter's snake. In the last year, she's lost her brother (nothing fatal, he's just temporarily divorced the family) and his ferret (which she had adopted).

I'd really appreciate any help I can get.

Tx.

L

well, it is breeding season for snakes.... he may only have 1 thing in mind(if you catch my drift) if he seems healthy and is looking healthy, he may go off feed.... looking for that girlfriend.... its completely normal.... but you can take him to the vet just in case... i'm sure some other people will chime in, but pretty much say the same thing
~kin
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~Sober Serpents~
www.freewebs.com/soberserpents
Corns, Creamsicles, A Black Rat, Thayeri, Cal Kings, A Jungle Corn(Just A Pet), A Ball Python, A Bearded dragon, Leopard Geckos, Green Anoles, a Snapping turtle, and a white cheeked mud turtle

I agree,...given the snake's age/size, it's more than likely a male looking for a mate for the first time. This will easily last several more weeks or so, he will do just fine until then if he was feeding normally, and had a fair weight before he lost interest in feeding. He will return to normal once the urge to mate has subsided, as mentioned before, usually several more weeks or so. This is very typical behavior.

~Doug
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

it's going to be a good day - thank you, too!

thanks a million!! you are right - three responses, all in agreement ( :

Of my 12 male corns....10 are off feed right now because of breeding season. I wouldnt worry about it...all normal
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I have come to the conclusion that there is no cure for snake addiction!

Ok, this is encouraging. I can believe that. Thanks much - patience has never been my strong point ( :

Though I would imagine the guys who have already replied are more than likely right, I just have to check. What temperatures do you have him at?
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Holly

0.1 Lavender California Kingsnake (Lizzie Borden) (missing )
1.0 Florida Kingsnake (Eddie Gein)
0.0.2 Cornsnakes
1.0 Bearded Dragon (Charley Manson)
1.0 Orange Marmalade Cat (Oliver)
1.0 Black Cat (Shadowfax)
1.0 Egyptian Arabian (Bagan) (Deceased )
1.0 Tennessee Walking Horse (Durango)

2.0 Toddlers (Justice & Trevor)

good question. The room he's in is normally between 67 & 70 F. We have a heater under his tank. I'd had to check the actual temp in the tank. I can do that when I get home from work. Whatever it is it has been since we set him up. Unless the heater stopped working and I didn't notice. I'll check that too.