Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey All,

I have noticed recently and strange issue about my cornsnake. He seems to every now and again, go into full body convulsions (almost like hikcups?). He seems to pulsate a little faster than once a second. Some times its so powerfull its like his body is jumping off the ground. Sometimes I will reach in and pick him up while his body is pulsating, and when he is in my hands, he stops.. move around my body.. no issue.... put him back in the tank, and he will start again.

Can anyone provide me with some feedback or information as to what this might be, and if I should be concerned? He is just over 3 feet long, and about 3 years old. He is housed in a 33 gallon tank with a hiding spot large enough for him to completely hide in, a couple of large branches for dynamic exercise.

Thanks again!

-Todd

Sounds like your fella is all grown up and looking for luurve!

The twitching you describe sounds very much like the mating behaviour of a mature male Corn. They usually do it in the presence of a female. Do you have one nearby, or had you been handling one before you observed the behaviour?

There might be a medical problem causing this, but I've only ever experienced something similar in sexually active males (Corns!). Any other ideas out there?

Interesting information, but alas, I have no female, nor have I been handling one. He is a lonely isolated fellow. Maybe he's just practicing for the hell of of (just hoping its not medical).

-Todd

My male amel will do it everytime I or anyone picks him up.Sometimes he just does it to do it.I have him with a female right now and he will be nonstop convulsing till I get him outa there...Paul

Thanks for putting my mind at ease.. I didn't think it to be a problem if he would stop when I reached in... if it was a real issue he wouldn't be able to control it... I will et Fester go about his... stuff...

-Todd