Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a black pine between 3 and 4 years old now about 6 feet long. I had a good feeding schedule, 1 large rat every 2 weeks and she would always eat. Then I went away for half the summer , she ate once while I was gone and since then, has pretty much not eaten so that’s like 6 or 7 months during which she ate one small rat. I have kept trying to feed her on occasion but she wouldn’t. About 3 weeks ago she shed for the first time in like 6 months and I figure she would eat after that, but no luck. What does have me worried is that she has remained SUPER active all this time, always wanting out, and last week she had a really bizarre feces, very thick and gritty. She left me a similar present today. Also today, I tried to feed her a much smaller rat; she has spent a lot of time smelling it but no bites. I am worried that she may be sick, and not eating for 6 months can’t be good for her either. If anyone has a suggestion, PLEASE let me know, I am really worried.

Take her to a good herp vet and get her checked out before it becomes a problem. Take samples of the excrement with you to be tested for mites or other nasty things.

Also check the temperature of your tank, and make sure you have sufficient hiding areas. You could also try a change of food at the same time to try and entice her to eat

hope you get some good results

Andy

I made an apointment with a Vet today, also took a fecal sample, and put it in the fridge, but I dont know if the sample will keep until monday.

How should I change her food though? I mean, what do I change it too besides different sized rats?

personally i would wait until the vets analysis has been given until you try and offer other foods as it could be an internal problem, however if all turns out ok and you snake is still not feeding,you could try mice instead of rats (feed 2 mice instead of 1 rat) try cracking the rats head open to expose the brains or maybe get hold of some lizard scent and try that on the rats.

I hope all turns out well keep me posted

Andy

so here is what the vet said, no intestinal blockage he can find, we gave her some antibiotic because he really things its either some bacteria or protoza. I will try to feed her again this saturday and see what happens. If still no luck he wants a fecal. So its still a little up in the air, the good news is that even after 6 months of no food she is in good condition and should be able to go another 6 without too much trouble.