My Snake wil not eat, what do I do?

Question

It has been nearly a month and a half since the last time my snake ate. He shed recently so thats not the issue. He was also transfered to a larger cage because he last one was to small, (could a cage being to small effect a snakes eating patterns?). He is not showing any signs of deterioration in health. Other then the fact that he won't eat he is healthy, he is active. What do I do, it is hard to find a vet that deals with reptiles im my area.

Answer 1

u touched my heart !!!!!!!!

Answer 2

Do you feed frozen or live? If you are feeding frozen, you might try live. If you're already feeding live, then you might try moving his cage to a dark area. Some snakes need to be alone to eat. How much did you feed the snake last time? I doubt it, but it might not be hungry yet. Also, did the snake poop after it's last meal. If not, then you definitely need to take him to a doctor. Make sure the snake has enough water and try feeding again. I would give the snake another week to two weeks and then you'll need to find a vet... even if you have to drive a little ways. Oh yeah, and if the snake is eating live and doesn't have room to strike I would think that would be the only reason a cage could be too small to eat. if you're feeding it in a larger cage then it should be fine. You said it was recently transferred... if you're feeding it in a new environment, it might still be a little weirded out. Maybe try putting it in an empty box to eat. Just some suggestions.

Answer 3

Just needed to let you know something no one else has covered...feed your snake in an empty enclosure..NOT it's cage that it lives in. For one, this keeps it from accidentally ingesting it's bedding. It also helps prevent bites. If a snake gets used to your hand dropping food into it's home, it may begin to strike when you are reaching in to pick it up, as it will think your hand is the food. Transferring your snake to a clean, empty enclosure that is big enough for it to eat in but not too big prevents these problems. Also, you can cover the "feeding cage" with a blanket. Some snakes do not like people watching them when they are going to eat. I would second the answers that said 1. If he is not pooping, take him to the vet! He could be impacted! 2. It may be the kind of food you are trying to feed him. Size, different, etc.
also, was he recently bitten by his food? This can prevent a snake from wanting to eat. Some snakes remember the color of the mouse/rat that bit them, and will refuse to eat one of like color.
If he has still not eaten in a couple of weeks, you need to find a herp vet and have him looked over to make sure he is free of parasites ( parasite infestation, weather internal or external will cause a snake to stop eating) and that there is no signs of injury or illness.
Also..what temp is his basking area? They need enough heat to properly digest their food.

Answer 4

Assuming that you have a constrictor or a python, these snakes can get pretty upset when you change their environment. However, snakes WILL eat when they get hungry. They will not starve themselves, and they can go up to an entire year without eating! You can try a few things; vitamin shots from the vet to boost its appetite; if you're using live mice or rats, try a freshly dead one (yes, you may have to kill it!); lastly, if it doesn't eat the dead animal in a day or two, wait 3-5 days and put in a live one. Leave the live animal in the cage for as long as you can. If the snake kills it but does not eat it within a couple of days, remove it and start the process over again in 3-5 days. Just remember, your snake absolutely can last up to a year without food!

Answer 5

My best freind had the exact same problem with her ball python. The cage is too big. Snakes need to feel secure in their environment, or they will not eat. Try putting a peice of cardboard or wood to seperate the cage into two sections. Remove it during the day or not feeding time if you feel it will make it more comfortable, but for bedtime or feeding time snakes like to have the ability to curl up comfortably and feel the glass on all four sides of them. It makes them feel safer, I guess. A cage that is too big is like taking you, putting you in a football field, and saying "OK, sleep here."

Answer 6

Hi James!

You didn't say what kind of snake you have... but I'll go with what I know.

First of all, they don't like change. Did you put familiar decor into the new cage?

Secondly, it's not at all uncommon for them to not eat for that period of time, or much much longer.

Third, you shouldn't be feeding him in his enclosure in the first place (if you are).

Lastly, I got some advice from here that worked for my ball (Thanks again, Reverend!). I put him in a clean plastic coffee can (holes in the lid, please!) with a thawed mouse, placed it in a dark area, and 30 minutes later that mouse was gone! (Given this information, I don't think the size of the cage was an issue for you.)

I wish you luck! ♥

Answer 7

He doesn't sound hungry to me, or perhaps he's adjusting to the new cage. I would look into a snake group, local if you can, but online groups are good too. Try to find one that has a variety of people, not all breeders or collectors. They should be able to give specific advice.

Answer 8

Are you feeding too large of prey? Sometimes too large of prey is difficult for snakes to digest or they injure the snake. I would try very hard to find an exotic vet in your area so you snake can get the treatment it needs

Answer 9

hi i wiggle my pre killed mice to make them look alive then either drop it so it doesnt strike me or if its quite gentil keep moving it untill it takes it also some frozen mice are dirty and the snakes dont like the smell os after defrosting it try washing it under the warm water tap (no detergents) but dont get stressed as long as hes active theres no need to worrie try a smaller mouse every couple of days untill he takes it you will get there

Answer 10

if its a ball python relax females in perticular fast in cooler weather, but as a precaution raise the heat in her cage to 85F-95F and up the humidity with a large water dish with an airstone in it (fish air pump and diffuser cost maybe 7-10 bucks)

and try feeding him agian in a week

Answer 11

I thought when they are about to shed a layer of skin they stop eating...ask your vet!