Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, ive tried everything. Every trick I could think of. its ben about two and a half weeks, maybe longer. It shouldnt be this hard to feed a snake. I can offer the rat and get nothing, but then if I stick my hand in the cage he'll nail it. I've tried heating the rats head with boiling water, and heating the rat in every way possible. what should i do? If U have to force feed how would I go about doing it? I just want my snake to eat willingly for once.

Tell us a little more...you've had the snake two and a half weeks, and it has'nt eaten? It's eaten before, and stopped and now has'nt eaten in two and half weeks?
These two situations are very different. So tell us more.
NOTE: not eating for two and half weeks is not a bad thing.it's sort of normal.
I feed every two weeks to a month depending on the animal.

Ive had her for about 3 months, when I first got her she ate just fine about 2 times a week, but after about the first month she just stop eating right. lately when I feed her Ive had to nuge her a bit and she would take it, but now shes not taking it. People ive asked say its not unusual, but if shes ben eating twice a week, why is she not eating now?

Maybe she isnt hungry. Twice a week is too much. She'll get big fast enough no point in stuffing her.
How old/big is this snake

As we get into fall, depending on your local conditions, snakes can sense a change in seasons. They begin to slow down, and eat less. You've had your snake 3 months. Which means June? July.
Peak of summer. Great snake conditions. Great appetite.
Now we cool off in fall, and your snake begins to slow down for winter. Nnot unusual at all.
Your husbandry can make a difference as well. Your temps, your humidity. Start letting your snake cool down, and it's now brumation time.
And yes, twice a week is wayyyy too much food.
I would'nt worry too much about your snake not eating. 2 1/2, weeks is a burp. 2 1/2 months sometimes is not unusual.
I've had some snakes go on a fast for 4 months at a time with no ill effects. Others have had their snakes go on a hunger strike for months on end.
Don't attempt to feed your snake for a few weeks. Hunger is a great motivator!

I have had similar circumstances at the onset of cooler temps. My burm and both of my balls would not eat from November of 04 through March 05. I took them to the vet and tried everything. Once the temps bumped up a bit, not even 5 degrees, it was feeding time again. They really can go awhile without eating. One of my balls has only eaten 4 times this year. He's healthy and moves as much as the other but just is not much of an eater. Right now my burm hasn't eaten in a month and is refusing a rabbit. Don't fret to much over a few weeks or even months.

Good luck.

DZ
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DZ

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

I hope your right, it gave me kindof a scare. Its ben about a month, and the tempts are up in the mid 80s.Since winters comming, Ive wasted 5 or six rats trying to get it to eat(offering every week or so). I just dont want it to waste away to nothing.How big should a 5ft burm be? wight wise? also if its not eating for a while will it still shed? My girl hasnt shed since I last fed her. she usually shed every 2 meals.

It is 5ft and I have had it for about 3-4 months. It was two feet when I first got it.