Feeding

[Hillsberry]

Hey guys and girls. I have a question for you. My Jungle Carpet Python has gone off feeding for about a month now. I am not totally worried yet. But I was wondering if it could be because its getting cold outside? I don't know if somehow she could tell the difference in seasons. Also she has been very active lately. Always trying to get out of her enclosure. If you can tell me whats up with her that would be great! Thanks!

[Swan]

Not sure about your pythons but snakes can pick up on barometric pressure which fluctuates from summer to winter. They can also tell by the longevity of outside light (via a window). Just make sure that your terrarium temps don't Drop in the winter. My ball eats in the winter and off in the summer, but my larger boas on in the summer off in the winter. There will be others that can go into greater detail. That have more experience than I. Sounds normal though.

[Lankyrob]

Dont think my JCP would ever refuse food but he also has been super active in the last week or so. My GTP has just taken his first mouse after nothing for 7 weeks - so mayber time of year.......

[Nafun]

It could be time of year, or it could be anything or nothing.

I wouldn't worry about one month as long as the snake is healthy and doesn't appear to be losing weight.

Just make sure your husbandry is spot on, and try feeding every couple of weeks or so.

If the snake has any signs of other problems, such as lumps, an inflamed vent (you shouldn't see pink when you look at his bottom, unless he's pooing on you.), signs of RI (such as mucus or bubbling), sign of injury such as cuts or missing scales, diarrhea, or signs of parasitism I would get him to the vet.

That being said, I wouldn't worry about one month. Some snakes go off feed for months (or even over a year) at a time for no discernible reason. As long as they appear healthy otherwise, and don't lose a lot of weight, I wouldn't worry.

That being said, going off feed *can* be a sign of deadly infections. I lost my milk snake Jonas to an infection (preliminary necropsy diagnosed as pancreatic cancer, but biopsies sent to Purdue University confirmed a severe bacterial infection of the pancreas and intestine). The primary symptom was going off feed, though he eventually developed lumps, an inflamed vent, and diarrhea. However, when you hear hoof beats, expect horses, not zebras. So, I would recommend just monitoring his condition, and taking him to the vet if you notice any secondary symptoms.

[marvelfreak]

How big is your jungle now and is it a female? My 10 year old jungle goes off feed every winter for about 4 months.

[Hillsberry]

My Jungle is a female and she is 5 and 1/2 feet. She is only 2 years old.

[marvelfreak]

I would just try once every two weeks. She big enough to breed, but not old enough. Some snakes get sex on their mind and that all they think about and don't care about eating. I still offer one every two to three weeks. Couple years ago she ate on after two months of non-feeding then went another two before starting feeding regular. Now i bulk her in Sept and Oct so when she goes off in Nov she nice and fat.

[Hillsberry]

Okay thank you!

[Reptile_Reptile]

I would just try once every two weeks. She big enough to breed, but not old enough. Some snakes get sex on their mind and that all they think about and don't care about eating. I still offer one every two to three weeks. Couple years ago she ate on after two months of non-feeding then went another two before starting feeding regular. Now i bulk her in Sept and Oct so when she goes off in Nov she nice and fat.
if she is already going thru the cycle why dont you breed her marvel?

[marvelfreak]

if she is already going thru the cycle why dont you breed her marvel?
Got to get a male. Found out all my carpet are females.

[Will0W783]

Hillary, at that size, don't worry about it. I've had adult carpets go off feed for 6 months or more. My big old boy, Voodoo, is currently fasting since May. He got a bit mixed up this year and went off feed earlier than usual. He's perfectly fine- no respiratory issues or parasites, just doesn't want to eat. It's stressful for us keepers when they don't eat, but generally the snake knows what it needs. As long as she isnt' giving signs of an illness and she isn't dropping weight quickly, she should be fine. She'll most likely start eating again once she is hungry enough.

[marvelfreak]

I would just try once every two weeks. She big enough to breed, but not old enough. Some snakes get sex on their mind and that all they think about and don't care about eating. I still offer one every two to three weeks. Couple years ago she ate on after two months of non-feeding then went another two before starting feeding regular. Now i bulk her in Sept and Oct so when she goes off in Nov she nice and fat.
Just read this. I was talking about my big jungle carpet she goes 4 months nov till march ever year without eating.