2006-08-30 13:32:52 · 14 answers · asked by Michelle B 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
No, they don't have the higher reasoning functions necessary to become depressed. However, they can become rather lethargic if not allowed to excercise regularly, and this can lead to health problems that mimic depression.
In both captivity and the wild snakes will hide and rest while digesting, but in the wild snakes will often spend many hours daily searching for food, water, a mate, etc. In captivity these things are provided for them, so they miss out on the excercise they'd get if they were required to search for them.
You can remedy this by providing a large cage with branches, basking shelves, etc, for them to climb on. Also, taking tame snakes out of their cage occasionally (not every day) stimulates them, gets their blood moving, and gives them added excercise.
Naturally this won't work with all snakes; some are just too nervous, heavy, or dangerous to allow handling, so excercise must be provided for them in their cage environment.
2006-08-30 13:42:52 · answer #1 · answered by My Evil Twin 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Oh yes, and when they do it can take years of therapy to cure them. They can get depressed because of people looking at them all the time, people trying to kill them, their mothers rejection, lack of baby mice to eat, having to go to school each day, parents not letting them eat junk food, having to study at night, and we haven't even touched on girl friend-boy friend issues. It's not easy being a snake these days.
2006-08-30 13:38:59 · answer #2 · answered by EMAILSKIP 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes. Snakes can get depressed. They can also develope anorexia (I am not kidding!). They can be sensitive when they are moved to a new environment.
2006-08-30 13:59:50 · answer #3 · answered by Jacqueline 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just prior to shedding their skin, snakes often stop eating and act lethargic. Your snake may be about to shed, which is normal.
2006-08-30 13:39:23 · answer #4 · answered by juncogirl3 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Actually I had a friend who's python seemed to be in a blue funk for a number of months. He bought her a bigger enclosure and switched to live mice - she perked right up.
2006-08-30 13:39:24 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You must be depressed to ask a question like that.
2006-08-30 13:36:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yep- I know my snakes been depressed for a long time...sniff
2006-08-30 13:34:57 · answer #7 · answered by mtrev 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
FINALLY A SNAKE QUESTION. they can get depressed if its a friendly snake and its all on its own & no one plays whit it .
2006-08-30 13:36:17 · answer #8 · answered by Ruby R 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes. also they are known not to eat for months because of insecurity or depression usually due to new environments. seriously.
2006-09-01 20:03:41 · answer #9 · answered by bobby h 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't like snakes.
2006-08-30 13:35:24 · answer #10 · answered by Backwoods Barbie 7 · 0⤊ 5⤋