Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got an adult corn from a friend who runs a local pet store. He got the snake in a trade for a ball python and wasn't sure of the sex. The snake is about 5 years old and a good 4 feet long. Very robust and healthy. Has chowed down on two good sized mice once every two weeks for the past four months since I've had him. Now, though, it has been almost five and a half weeks since he last ate. He shed about two weeks ago and has refused food ever since. I put a nest box in the cage thinking it might be a gravid female that needed to lay, but no such luck. I'm pretty sure it's a male, but not positive. Was wondering if this was normal behavior or if I should be concerned.

The snake doesn't seem to be really losing any weight. But this is the longest it's gone without a meal. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks.

David

Does your corn look gaunt?Sick?If not dont worry about it.My male amel is 5-6 years old and he wont eat anything.He hasnt fed in over 2 months.This is normal for breeding season.I bet he wont take a meal for another month or maybe longer.Corny has emough meat on his bones to last a good 4 months before eating again.As corns get older there metabalism slows way down.I only feed him once every 3-4 weeks anyway and he is still a chunk.I hope this calms your nerves a little...Paul

Thanks for the info. No, my corn doesn't look gaunt or anything. In fact, it looks as if he's lost very little weight at all. When handling him, I can still only very lightly feel the back bone and his muscle tone is still verygood. His profile is a little slimmer than it was a month ago, but I guess that's not too bad (i know I wish i could say the same about myself...). Thannks again for the info.

Dave