Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 2002 C.B. Sonoran Gopher Snake that I purchased in November of 2003. He quickly got on a regular feeding regimen and now measures 55.5" [4'7.5"]. For some reason, he suddenly stopped eating in late July and hasn't eaten a thing since. He has made a lot of positive progress in his temperment/behavior and is docile now, so I really want to keep him for life. I house him in a 40 gal. breeder terrarium with my 1999 C.B. Northern Pine Snake [very docile], who measures 68" [5'8"]. I know that there is sufficient heat in the cage because my Northern Pine has kept eating all summer.

1) Is it healthy or normal for a snake to go off feed during the heavier feeding season (summer)?

2) Summers here in Central New York are typically humid. Would this affect a Sonoran Gopher Snake, a desert dwelling species?

3) What can I do to help my Gopher Snake?

4) Do I have any real reason for concern here?

5) Any other suggestions?

Please reply if you have helpful advice.

My female did the same to me. She recently ate again but I really don't see the reason to worry unless he starts to lose weight
slinks

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0.1.0 Sonoran Gophersnake
0.0.1 Brown Banded Watersnake

jim, he's telling you it's naptime.......
aka brumation. i'm in pennsylvania and mine have slowed or ceased eating too due to cooling temps and shortening photoperiod. i'm putting them down for about 70 days soon and when they wake up, they'll be feeding like their oldselves again. it is perfectly normal behaviour........

I agree with Dan Felice...it is probably him saying he wants to hiberate.

Also...personally I would give him a separate cage, so he can have a cage all to himself and your pine as well. He may have eaten great until now...but he may be stressed with another snake in the cage and/or needs to hibernate. Keeping them separate would make:

1. Keeping watch on sickness/diseases a lot easier. Also..if one gets sick...if he has a cagemate..most likely that snake will get sick as well.

2. Prevent eating accidents..where one snake still smells like a rodent and the other freaks out and starts chowing on his cagemate!

3. Prevent any kind of accidental breeding taking place in the future ( if they are opposite sexes )and producing pit hybrids.

Take care!
Billy
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Genesis 1:1