Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Three of my year and a half old thayeri who have never missed a meal are currently showing no interest in mice. Do they think it's time to brumate because of the colder temps and fading sunlight. Should I cool them or just try feeding them again in a week? Viv temps are 74 cool side to about 88 heated side.

Oh, my 2011's are in the smae rack and are eating like pigs.

Sure sounds like they want a break from the active life and need a cool down for some winter chillin'. Just make sure they're kept warm for 2-3 weeks after their last meal to ensure they have nothing in their guts that would cause problems once their metabolisms slow down during brumation. They will need clean water throughout their dormant period. Brumation time is actually a nice break from the weekly feedings, frequent cleanings, etc. Good luck!

I suppose there are many ways to look at this...
What are the plans for the snake next year? Are you breeding it?

I am breeding next year...
I personally am feeding for another week or so, then clearing for two to three. Still pretty warm during the day. Space heater at night.

My male Thayeri refused one meal then ate 2 days later this week.

If you don't have a plan now is the time....

If you snake is still growing I would suggest keeping it warm and offering meals whenever it seems hungry!
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>>Sure sounds like they want a break from the active life and need a cool down for some winter chillin'. Just make sure they're kept warm for 2-3 weeks after their last meal to ensure they have nothing in their guts that would cause problems once their metabolisms slow down during brumation. They will need clean water throughout their dormant period. Brumation time is actually a nice break from the weekly feedings, frequent cleanings, etc. Good luck!

You know I have read and heard about all kinds of snakes going "off feed" during the Fall, but I have yet to see this with my kings over the last 15 years or so. It may be the result of my location, but I've heard of folks in Florida have Pyros go off feed even getula......... I have had males go off feed during breeding season though, but only when warmed up at the same time as the females. Last year I remedied that by warming the males up earlier and by themselves......They fed great throughout breeding season......

And I do "force brumation" on my animals and love the break from feeding and cleaning and watering...etc for 3 to 4 months......

But I still have about 100 little ones to do all that with...LOL
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John Lassiter
Poor planning and procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part...

The snakes in question hatched out in July 2010. Each weighs around 180 grams and stopped eating around October 23. I think I'll give them another week and if they still won't eat I'll try cooling them for a few months. I'm in Wisconsin and it's been a pretty dreary fall. Lows at night are getting down in the 20's.

Thanks for the replies.

Huh, I offered one of the thayeri a larger prey item today and he ate it right away. Gave him a medium mouse rather than a small one.

Ha Ha...

That's exactly how it went down for me as well...

I think my snakes are lazy. If the mouse is too wired up and hard to catch, they loose interest after so many attempts to catch it.

The larger ones aren't as nimble as the smaller ones.
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Actually it was F/T.

Live or frozen thawed shouldn't make a difference. If your snake is hungry, it will eat.

This is why I personally never feed on a schedule. (Not saying you do) If a snake refuses a meal, I will offer again a day or two later. Just because it is not hungry today doesn't mean it is not going to be tomorrow.

Also, stress that can be caused for many reasons can affect a snakes appetite. Some Snakes can be easily startled which can lead to a missed feeding.

Like when you go to feed two snakes at once and your cal king smokes a mouse and falls down into your Thayeri's cage and scares the crap out of him.... LOL

I began feeding F/T but switched at the beginning of this year. I personally have seen a much greater feeding response so I stuck with it.

To each his own... Do what works for you... I feed my snakes as much as they want to eat. Some eat 2-3x per week but most eat once every 4-5 days.

Good Luck!

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Interestingly enough, another one ate when offered a larger mouse too. Maybe they smell different.