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Snake hasn't eaten for 8-10 weeks!

mksmat Apr 28, 2004 09:15 PM

My corn snake hasn't eaten for 8-10 weeks! She (the vet said it was a little tricky to tell, but he thought she was most likely female) is normally a great once-a-week eater. She is about two and a half years old, and has never had a problem before. The last mouse she had bit her, so I thought that might have made her skittish...the vet said that can be a problem, and to try a rat pup. I could only find frozen ones, so I tried that, and she showed no interest. I have tried both live and thawed frozen mice, also to no avail. I tried "lizard maker" liquid, which is supposed to make other prey smell like lizards. That didn't work, either. I did read on another forum that it could be a mating season thing, but the length of time seems excessive. I am very concerned. Any suggestions or explanations? Help!

Replies (3)

mksmat Apr 28, 2004 09:22 PM

Just an addition...she has been very active for most of the day and night, "searching" around the cage and "sniffing" at the top of the cage. I did read that this can indicate a mating season issue, but she also does this when she is hungry.

Sonya Apr 28, 2004 09:47 PM

>>My corn snake hasn't eaten for 8-10 weeks! She (the vet said it was a little tricky to tell, but he thought she was most likely female) is normally a great once-a-week eater. She is about two and a half years old, and has never had a problem before. The last mouse she had bit her, so I thought that might have made her skittish...the vet said that can be a problem, and to try a rat pup. I could only find frozen ones, so I tried that, and she showed no interest. I have tried both live and thawed frozen mice, also to no avail. I tried "lizard maker" liquid, which is supposed to make other prey smell like lizards. That didn't work, either. I did read on another forum that it could be a mating season thing, but the length of time seems excessive. I am very concerned. Any suggestions or explanations? Help!

I would get a second opinion on 'her' sex. All the behaviour 'she' is showing makes me think 'she' is a he.
If the snake isn't losing weight I wouldn't sweat too much. Also I would NOT try scenting stuff. If the snake took mice or rats well before the only changes I would try is age/size of the prey. Maybe going down is size would help.
Best I can come up with.
-----
Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

duffy Apr 29, 2004 06:13 AM

The frozen/thawed prey I feed ALL my snakes have never bitten them...Not once! S/he'll come around. I agree with the other post...Sounds like s/he may be a male "lookin' for love"... Do try to wind up feeding prey that cannot do any further damage if you can make the switch. Good luck. Duffy

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