Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Since the bite 1 month ago it hasn't eaten. Looks at worms and Anoles. I've seen it drink water, but it's getting real thin.

The RN that bit it also dropped the eggs a few days ago. It just ate an Anole, so hibernation isn't the problem. This snake is getting big....

Concerning my non eater, I have to let nature work and just wait?

Pretty much.
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Mike
KingPin Reptiles Inc.
www.kingpinreptiles.com
^ Updated 10/29

Thanks Mike,

How long could this last (not eating)?

snakes can go quite some time without eating. during hibernation, though they have low metabolisms, several months without eating is normal. Since it's not hibernating I wouldn't be too concerned until 5 weeks. They don't typically eat when they are about to shed and they don't eat when they are gravid usually. A better way to look at it is how much of their body mass have they lost? Some people start force feeding after about 30% of their mass has been lost. Since you probably don't have a starting mass to go by then I wouldn't be too concerned until it starts to look pretty scrawny. That could mean one month, it may mean two. Again, the point where I get worried is 5 weeks. I'm no expert though and it really does depend on the snake...

One more week to make 5, do I have to make Anole soup to force feed?
Compared to the other RN, the bit victim is very thin but it gets out and moves around.

Could it be psychological, afraid to eat because of the attack? It was held by the head and dragged across the cage.

probably could be stress. I've never had to feed physically injured snakes -- there is a chance they may not eat while they heal but I don't know. Wait for someone else to speak on the issue.

I've had ringnecks go for many months without eating. I used to keep NorthWestern Ringnecks which me and a friend on these forums figured only ate for one or two months out of the entire year...

If the conditions are right.
And the snake is hungry.
It will eat.

5 weeks is nothing to worry about.
-----
Mike
KingPin Reptiles Inc.
www.kingpinreptiles.com
^ Updated 10/29