Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My licorice stick black rat snake stopped eating this last winter. Lost quite a bit of weight. Then she ate like a horse for about a month and a half. Then about 3 weeks ago she stopped eating again. I'm trying her on a live rat fuzz now... worked last time...but this time shes not even paying any attention to it, unlike before. Any ideas on why she's being so $#$#^$#%@# picky?
-----
Chondros and colubrids... my 2 favorite types of snakes!

"Life is hard. Life is harder if you're stupid." - John Wayne

Ive had snakes that wouldnt eat till they pooped.Sounds crazy but it's the truth.Try feeding a couple days after a movement and let me know.
Is your snake active?Like always roaming around like it is hungry?...Paul

I bought 4,25 packs of jumbo mice.One batch of 25 none would eat.They wouldnt even act interested or go near them.They didnt have any strange smell to them that I could detect.Are you getting all your rodents from the same place?..Paul

Ratsnakes are known for random fasting. I've been working with ratsnkes for 20 years solid, and another 10 years off and on before that. I don't recall ever having one that ate throughout the year (less the hibernation months), however some do eat more consistantly than others. I wouldn't worry too much right now.
Hope this helps.
Alan,

Well she finally ate the live rat fuzzy tonight. Hopefully this will just get her kicked back into taking f/t next week. Did last time

the only reason i'm worrying is because she has lost a LOT of weight
-----
Chondros and colubrids... my 2 favorite types of snakes!

"Life is hard. Life is harder if you're stupid." - John Wayne

I've noticed some snakes wont eat until they are properly hydrated, so maybe try swimming the snake in warm water a day before a feed, or.........how warm is the tank? I've also seen snakes turn food down when they seem to sense that digestion conditions arent so hot (pardon the accidental pun)
-----
Tom
TCJ Herps
"The more people I meet, the more I like my snakes"