Clean Cage? Or Wait

[AndrewM1217]

So my spotted python has been on a bit of a hunger strike lately, with his last meal being on October 26th. Food has been offered multiple times, generally a week apart, with no success so far. So now, I've decided to switch to every 2 weeks so that I'm disrupting him less often.

Tomorrow, I will be going to visit my parents for the holidays and returning on Monday. I wanted to do a full substrate replacement and clean his cage thoroughly before leaving but I'm not sure if bothering him that much is a good idea if I'm having a hard time getting him to eat. So what is the consensus here? Clean the cage, or wait til Monday and offer food, then clean the cage after that (or 2 days from then, if he decides to eat this time). The cage is not particularly dirty or anything, but its been a while since the last full cleaning.

[trailblazer295]

If he hasn't been eating so no poop I'd wait the few days. Disturbing him would be more likely to "harm " then a few more days of not a complete clean.

I'll let someone else chime in but it might be breeding season for them and that's why he isn't eating. My BP went on went last year. So far this year he is eating. Is there any change in behavior?

[Andy_G]

If this isn't a new specimen and it's just taking a seasonal break from food, I would actually say to do the opposite of trailblazer...you could clean the cage. If, however, he's not eating due to stress, then I would agree that you should leave him alone. Saying all that...it doesn't sound like the cage is really dirty...

[Minkness]

I am in the middle. If the cage isn't dirty, why clean it? If you have been having issues feeding (seasonal or otherwise), why clean it?

Now, if it hasn't been cleaned in a year or something, then sure, change it out and just feed him next week.

[Aaron_S]

If you're looking to freshen up the substrate and everything then go ahead and do it. You'll be gone for a few days so the snake will settle into the enclosure once again over those few days and I doubt it will affect it's feeding.

[AndrewM1217]

If he hasn't been eating so no poop I'd wait the few days. Disturbing him would be more likely to "harm " then a few more days of not a complete clean.

I'll let someone else chime in but it might be breeding season for them and that's why he isn't eating. My BP went on went last year. So far this year he is eating. Is there any change in behavior?


I've had him since he was a hatchling and haven't encountered this issue before. This is also his first year as a sexually mature male, seeing as he is a few months over 2 years old now so I thought maybe that had influenced his behavior. Other than refusing food, he is totally normal. Very active once the sun starts to set, climbing all over and moving about at a decently quick pace

[trailblazer295]

Is he more active then normal for him? My BP was on the move a lot last year too. Sounds like breeding behavior. He is looking for a mrs. Clean the cage if you feel it's needed. I periodically clean my whole cage regardless. I'd space out the time you offer. If he isn't losing a lot or any weight I wouldn't worry. He'll probably start eating again in spring.

[macandchz]

mac just came off a 2 month hunger strike, too. i was ready for it this year since he did it around the same time last year. i thought it was the weather change or time change. it happened almost to the day each time.

[Albert Clark]

Hey, you can never clean the enclosure too much. I would go ahead and change all of it out. Add some fresh cypress mulch also. Even though he's not feeding he is still producing waste products that need to be eliminated. On the cellular level, through respiration, and drinking water and just basic metabolism he will produce urates and urine in the enclosure. It's like changing the oil in your car, you can never change the oil too frequently. On the other hand if you wait you may be in for a surprise. A unhealthy surprise too.