Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an 04 Bairdi that has been acting strange. She went off feed 2 weeks ago and has been hiding the whole time. I know it is that time of year so I wasn't too worried. Well it had been a week since last attempt at feeding so I went to get her out. She had been out an hour earlier but when I lifted the paper towel she was upside down. Is there anything I should do or look for? I just didn't think her being on her back was a good thing.
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0.0.1 Amel Motley Corn (Cosmo '03)
0.1 Baird's Ratsnake (Sugaree '04)
1.0 White Oaks Grey Rat (Tennesse Jed '04)
1.1 Shepherd mix (Dylan 5yrs, Porter 8 months)

I would say not! If you gently flip the animal on its back will it struggle to correct itself or just lay there? If the snake fails to correct itself, then there is a serious problem. Be sure that you are using cleaners which are non-toxic to snakes! Ensure that no one is smoking near the cage. Check the cage temperature to make sure that it is not too cold. It may be a good idea for you to have your snake examined for parasites! Parasite migration has been known to cause neurological problems in reptiles. As for the feeding, there are a number of possible reasons that could explain a loss of appatite in snakes. Ask yourself, has this ever happened before in the winter? Or is this a new behavior? The most common reasons for a change in appetite include the onset of a shed, seasonal change, low temperature in the enclosure and a poor state of health. Check the cage temperature, keep an eye out for an upcomming shed, and if its any of not these then I would consider the other possibilities. Hope this helps and good luck!