won't eat

[herndonart]

Hi, I have an Albino Corn, about 9 yrs old, between 3 and 4 feet. Every year about this time he stops eating for about 3 or 4 months. This time he is going longer. He is now at least killing the mice/rat, but still not eating. Does anyone have an idea.

Thanks much

[infernalis]

Breeding season??

I know many snakes stop feeding when it's time to get busy.

[wrecker45]

my corn stopped eating for a month. he started eating a couple of days ago. it is spring and love is in the air.

[Starbuck]

as long as he isnt loosing weight and looking thinner, you shouldnt have to worry.

[possum]

Most snakes stop eating in the winter (instinctively anticipating the need to hibernate) or in the spring, wanting to mate. But 3-4 months PLUS is too long... have you thought of taking a (fresh) stool sample to the vet, when you can find one? I think your pal needs a check-up.

Another problem might be your set up: too cold? not enough hides/privacy?

Here's another thought: why are you feeding live rodents??? Most snakes when fed live will sooner or later get bit by 'dinner'...even if they win the battle, that bite can cause lasting harm, anything from lethal damage to lingering infections that may or may not respond to antibiotics. If you care about your pet (& I assume you do since you've had him for 9 years) please think about feeding pre-killed (<fresh) or frozen-thawed rodents.
If a snake gets bit & survives they do remember...it can make them refuse food, especially that specific prey.

[smy_749]

Most snakes stop eating in the winter (instinctively anticipating the need to hibernate) or in the spring, wanting to mate. But 3-4 months PLUS is too long... have you thought of taking a (fresh) stool sample to the vet, when you can find one? I think your pal needs a check-up.

Another problem might be your set up: too cold? not enough hides/privacy?

Here's another thought: why are you feeding live rodents??? Most snakes when fed live will sooner or later get bit by 'dinner'...even if they win the battle, that bite can cause lasting harm, anything from lethal damage to lingering infections that may or may not respond to antibiotics. If you care about your pet (& I assume you do since you've had him for 9 years) please think about feeding pre-killed (<fresh) or frozen-thawed rodents.
If a snake gets bit & survives they do remember...it can make them refuse food, especially that specific prey.


This is just not true. Agree about the F/T

[Amadeus]

Most snakes stop eating in the winter (instinctively anticipating the need to hibernate) or in the spring, wanting to mate. But 3-4 months PLUS is too long... have you thought of taking a (fresh) stool sample to the vet, when you can find one? I think your pal needs a check-up.

Another problem might be your set up: too cold? not enough hides/privacy?

Here's another thought: why are you feeding live rodents??? Most snakes when fed live will sooner or later get bit by 'dinner'...even if they win the battle, that bite can cause lasting harm, anything from lethal damage to lingering infections that may or may not respond to antibiotics. If you care about your pet (& I assume you do since you've had him for 9 years) please think about feeding pre-killed (<fresh) or frozen-thawed rodents.
If a snake gets bit & survives they do remember...it can make them refuse food, especially that specific prey.

They don't remember sh*t...

OP- Have patience and try to feed every 7-10 days and check your husbandry. Good luck =]

[possum]

This is just not true....

Even if the snake was off-feed for winter/breeding...hey, it's now late June! that's too long IMO. Haven't seen any of my (healthy) corns respond that way, and yes, I've bred (some of) them.

[smy_749]

Even if the snake was off-feed for winter/breeding...hey, it's now late June! that's too long IMO. Haven't seen any of my (healthy) corns respond that way, and yes, I've bred (some of) them.

Rob had a GTP go off feed for almost a year or something, and he's doing just fine. Someone else here, maybe Donnie or shauny had a carpet go 9 months straight out the egg with no food and is also doing good now. I don't know if 3-4 months is too long to go off for breeding or not, but if the health is not deteriorating than its fine imo.

[smy_749]

They don't remember sh*t...

OP- Have patience and try to feed every 7-10 days and check your husbandry. Good luck =]

Do you have any proof that they don't remember things?

[Amadeus]

Do you have any proof that they don't remember things?

No but I'll reciprocate the question.

Do you have any proof they do?

Also do you think it's logical to think that they do have memory?

[smy_749]

No but I'll reciprocate the question.

Do you have any proof they do?

Also do you think it's logical to think that they do have memory?



Sure why not? Lots of reptiles have a memory...I didn't make any claims saying they had or didn't have one, you did. If I said they had one, I would have to provide evidence. You said they don't, so where is the proof?

Btw: they go back to the same burrows/hide spots in the wild, and use the same basking spots. Can you prove they don't remember how to get there?

[Starbuck]

they've done some studies with corn snakes and Y mazes, showing that the snake can associate simple patterns with food (without aid of scent), as well as 'remember' locations and directions (they have a mental map of their surroundings).

[Starbuck]

search for this article: Spatial learning of an escape task by young corn snakes,Elaphe guttata guttata

not as related, but also search this one:Environmental Enrichment Alters the Behavioral Profile of Ratsnakes (Elaphe)

[Amadeus]

Sure why not? Lots of reptiles have a memory...I didn't make any claims saying they had or didn't have one, you did. If I said they had one, I would have to provide evidence. You said they don't, so where is the proof?

Btw: they go back to the same burrows/hide spots in the wild, and use the same basking spots. Can you prove they don't remember how to get there?

It's not that they remember but have the instinctual capability to find that spot.

Just like salmon must return to where they were born to spawn.

[Amadeus]

search for this article: Spatial learning of an escape task by young corn snakes,Elaphe guttata guttata

not as related, but also search this one:Environmental Enrichment Alters the Behavioral Profile of Ratsnakes (Elaphe)

That was an interesting read. I will have to do some more research and get back to you =]