My snake won't eat his mice?!!!?

Question

So... I took it out, and it looks like it has a bad scar or cut on its spine, but it also is gonna shed soon. What should I do, It's been awhile.

Answer 1

Apparently the snake bit the mouse if it has a cut on its spine, or the mouse bit the snake if the snake has a cut on the spine, not sure which you were going for here. But either way you now have a possibly injured animal which is another reason to feed prekilled/frozen/thawed prey to snakes. But aside from that, it would help to know what type of snake you have. A shed shouldn't take 6 to 8 weeks to occur. A snake can shed normally every 6 to 8 weeks. Big difference. A shed shouldn't take more than a few days to a week. But you need to have the humidity levels at the proper place for your type of snake. Has his eyes turned "blue" yet? SOME snakes won't eat durring a shed, some will. My red tail boa has never refused a meal. I would normally skip feeding him if he was in shed, just to be on the safe side, but there have been times when I have gotten him out only to see that has was in shed and once you get a red tail boa out of it's cage and it can smell that there are mice around, it isn't a good idea to try to put them back in.

But there are many things that could contribute to not eating...change in cage, temps too low, humidity too low, snake is sick, or durring winter time some just decide not to eat as much. Don't worry about the missed feeding unless you start to see your snake loose weight. That is when you need to think about forced feeding and that should only be done by someone with experience.

Now as far as the cut, if it is on the mouse, (this might sound cruel, but not as cruel as letting an animal suffer) kill it. Dispose of it now and at the next feeding time go get another one. If the cut is on the snake here is what I would suggest. IF he is in shed go to the pet store and get some stuff called Shed-Aid. It comes under different names. follow directions, usually spray it on the snake and work it in. Even if your snake isn't in shed this won't hurt him. If he has an exposed cut, get Neosporin, just plain old Neosporin, I used the type with pain relief once and nothing bad happened, but to be on the safe side, get the plain type. This will work as well as anything your pet store tries to sell you at triple the cost. put a sparing amount on the wound each day. If it does not show signs of improvement in a week, take it to the vet.

Also, when is the last time your snake had a poop? If it is constapated it may stop eating.

check temps and humidity and make sure they are in the acceptable range for your type of snake.

any other questions please feel free to email me.

Answer 2

If it's a fresh wound, your snake may need medical attention (look for vets who deal with exotic pets and CALL AHEAD!), otherwise, if it's an old wound, the shed should take care of it. Snakes don't usually eat when they are in their shed cycle. My snake usually takes about 10-14 days to complete her shed cycle and has refused meals for up to two weeks before she enters into a cycle. My snake has also refused food for up to three months in the past... She was getting a bit fat and started eating again when she was back to where she should be. I talked to three herp vets and they confirmed it: snakes know when they need food and when they don't. Snakes can go for very long periods of time (a year+ in some cases) without food, so don't be too concerned - just keep an eye on him. Good luck!

Answer 3

Why Wont My Snake Eat

Answer 4

they dont eat right before shedding, its not hungry just leave the mice and it will eat when it gets hungry
they only eat like 2 xs a month

Answer 5

True story:

A reference librarian once helped a library patron find a book on snakes. A few days later, the man came back to thank her, something every librarian appreciates. He said: "I had to force-feed my python and he's okay now."

Answer 6

ive got two snakes dont feed it untill its shed its skin how often do u feed it

Answer 7

hey bud i have to fully agree with hartsocks answer completely, and just to simply add some sources so you might find that he is correct yourself (i just wish i had stated that prior to him cause he has my best answer vote!!!)
good luck and happy herping

Answer 8

either your mouse is poisoned and your snakes knows it. or he's gonna shed.
its just like people, people don't eat when they're gonna change clothes.

Answer 9

what if the mouse eats the snake... muaaaahhh

Answer 10

just leave the mouse in there....

a watched pot never boils....