View Full Version : Snake won't eat
Hello everybody! This'll be my first post here, and I'm hoping somebody can help me out.
About a month and a half ago, a teacher I aide for ended up with a baby corn snake that she didn't know what to do with, so I told her I'd take it. This was my first reptile (though my sister has a leopard gecko), so I wasn't quite sure what to do. I went home with the snake (which was given to me in a water bottle, of all things) and researched as much and as fast as I could.
My sister recently upgraded her gecko to a 20 gallon long, so she gave me her 10 gallon. I went out and bought reptibark, a water dish, a fake plant decoration, a pile of rocks, and two aquarium decorations that (of all things) he (or she) seems to love. I also got a heat lamp and a digital thermometer- the tank is now set at 85F on the warm side, and 75F on the cool side.
He's been acting perfectly normal- drinks water from his dish, tries to escape his cage, and crawls about when out of the cage. My issue is that he has yet to eat in the month and a half plus since I've had him. I've (weekly) tried thawed frozen pinkies, I've even tried live a couple times- he's just not interested. He hasn't shed in the time that I've had him, and, as far as I can tell, isn't about to.
I've decided to name it Azazel, and since it now has a name, there's no turning back! Can anybody help me out?? If there's any more information you need, please let me know :)
Aaron_S
12-18-12, 11:09 PM
How snug fitting are the hides for him? He may not be feeling secure.
Also, stop any handling sessions and just stick to live pinkies. Toss one in. Leave the room. Try again in five days with no handling. You can leave it in the enclosure for as long as you want since it poses no danger to the snake.
Don't worry. He won't become aggressive from lack of handling.
Lankyrob
12-19-12, 06:51 AM
This^^^^^^ yourconditions seem corect so just follow the above advice :)
How snug fitting are the hides for him? He may not be feeling secure.
Also, stop any handling sessions and just stick to live pinkies. Toss one in. Leave the room. Try again in five days with no handling. You can leave it in the enclosure for as long as you want since it poses no danger to the snake.
Don't worry. He won't become aggressive from lack of handling.
His two favorite hides are pretty snug, plus he can squeeze up under the rocks.
As for how to feed him, I've been hearing the exact opposite. Shouldn't I be concerned about him accidentally swallowing some of the reptibark? Isn't it bad to feed them in their own enclosure, because he could later mistake my hand as food? Not that I doubt your advice, because I'm grateful for it! I'm just curious :)
Aaron_S
12-19-12, 04:21 PM
His two favorite hides are pretty snug, plus he can squeeze up under the rocks.
As for how to feed him, I've been hearing the exact opposite. Shouldn't I be concerned about him accidentally swallowing some of the reptibark? Isn't it bad to feed them in their own enclosure, because he could later mistake my hand as food? Not that I doubt your advice, because I'm grateful for it! I'm just curious :)
He's super tiny. How can he get the bark in there too? If you're that concerned take it all out for paper towel.
By that logic of removing him for feed would lead to EVERYTIME you go in there it's feed time to him so wouldn't be MORE aggressive.
He'll be fine in there. He won't learn to attack more.
Gungirl
12-19-12, 04:45 PM
His two favorite hides are pretty snug, plus he can squeeze up under the rocks.
As for how to feed him, I've been hearing the exact opposite. Shouldn't I be concerned about him accidentally swallowing some of the reptibark? Isn't it bad to feed them in their own enclosure, because he could later mistake my hand as food? Not that I doubt your advice, because I'm grateful for it! I'm just curious :)
what you have been hearing is false. Feed in the tank, your snake will be less stressed and more likely to eat well for you.
Seriously?? Ok then, I'll go out and get a pinkie now!
Aaron_S
12-19-12, 05:13 PM
Seriously?? Ok then, I'll go out and get a pinkie now!
Yes! I've now said it three times myself.
Gungirl
12-19-12, 05:15 PM
Yes! I've now said it three times myself.
Lol yes but now I have said it... :eek::rolleyes:
Aaron_S
12-19-12, 05:16 PM
Lol yes but now I have said it... :eek::rolleyes:
*bows before the Queen*
EmbraceCalamity
12-19-12, 05:16 PM
If you're concerned about him eating the bark, I'm sure you could just get a lid and put the pinkie on it. And I've never heard of an aggressive corn snake. :p
~Maggot
Gungirl
12-19-12, 05:19 PM
*bows before the Queen*
Bout time..... :laugh:
Yes! I've now said it three times myself.
Sorry! This is just the first I'm hearing of it :)
I put the pinkie in last night- sadly it's still there now. Hopefully he'll eat soon!
Aaron_S
12-20-12, 04:30 PM
Ensure the temps are all correct. Ensure he's got two snug hides. Place live pinky outside the hide he currently is.
rachmangler
12-20-12, 04:39 PM
When I got my first snake he was only 4 months old and it took him about 3 months to eat. He's a BP. Make sure you have great hiding spots with no open ends on both sides (like those half logs) and since he's still just a wee one make sure you just keep offering him food.
F/T or live, whatever you prefer..Leave it in there for him (only leave the food alone with him if it's F/T never leave him unattended with live)and let him go for it whenever he wants. Since he's new to you he probably just needs time to adjust and since snakes feel their most vulnerable during feeding time he's probably just nervous.
If just offering him food doesn't work I would put him in a separate container or even a paper bag and leave him in a smaller space with the meal.
With my first one all it took was a little bit of time and him adjusting to his new surroundings. Just keep offering him food. I prefer F/T and have taken snakes in that were only fed live and got them swapped over in a matter of 3 feedings.
Keep your chin up! He'll start eating soon.
When I got my first snake he was only 4 months old and it took him about 3 months to eat. He's a BP. Make sure you have great hiding spots with no open ends on both sides (like those half logs) and since he's still just a wee one make sure you just keep offering him food.
F/T or live, whatever you prefer..Leave it in there for him (only leave the food alone with him if it's F/T never leave him unattended with live)and let him go for it whenever he wants. Since he's new to you he probably just needs time to adjust and since snakes feel their most vulnerable during feeding time he's probably just nervous.
If just offering him food doesn't work I would put him in a separate container or even a paper bag and leave him in a smaller space with the meal.
With my first one all it took was a little bit of time and him adjusting to his new surroundings. Just keep offering him food. I prefer F/T and have taken snakes in that were only fed live and got them swapped over in a matter of 3 feedings.
Keep your chin up! He'll start eating soon.
Thanks for the advice!
I would definitely prefer f/t too! Wouldn't it get all smelly after a while, though, if I just left it in there? Is it still ok for him to eat at that point?
I've already got two snug hides, but I think I'll go out and get a couple more just in case (and because I like to spoil my pets!)
Aaron_S
12-20-12, 05:20 PM
Thanks for the advice!
I would definitely prefer f/t too! Wouldn't it get all smelly after a while, though, if I just left it in there? Is it still ok for him to eat at that point?
I've already got two snug hides, but I think I'll go out and get a couple more just in case (and because I like to spoil my pets!)
Leave it in for a night. Live pinky is fine too. It has no teeth and can't do anything.
Gungirl
12-20-12, 05:29 PM
If it is refusing f/t offer a live. It is a good way to jump start a picky eater.
So far it's refused both live and frozen/thawed. The one in the tank now is live.
I would put it in front of a hide, but cutie pie Azazel is always cruising around the tank! He's actually trying to escape as I type- but don't worry, the lid's weighted down!
Aaron_S
12-20-12, 08:03 PM
How big are the hides on the right? They don't look to be tight fitting from the picture so I could be wrong.
If he isn't squished in there, he may not be comfortable. Just leave him be and let him find it on his own. He will eventually.
Sorry, that particular picture was from about a month ago (the other two from just now). Here's what it looks like now:
Edit: the rock-type thing on the left is the one he likes to squish into. There's also a "cichlid stone" behind the pile of rocks.
snakekid6996
12-20-12, 08:54 PM
I had this problem too when I got my first snake. Try fresh killed. Take a small needle and poke it threw it's head so it goes threw it's brain. I know this sounds bad, but it actually worked for me... Hope that helps.
Last night the pinkie crawled into one of Azazel's favorite hides. I now see Azazel in the hide, and no mouse, so I think he finally ate!! From what I could see, he had a little lump like he'd just eaten, but I didn't want to disturb him too much.
Now I just hope he actually did eat! If I see a pinkie crawling around tomorrow, I'm going to be pretty upset. Thanks for all the help!!
Aaron_S
12-21-12, 04:17 PM
Go pick up the hide and check. Just be sure to place it again.
I did; the only problem is that the hide is a 'cichlid stone' and when I pick it up the snake comes with it, and its kind of hard to see into the little hole
Aaron_S
12-21-12, 05:58 PM
I did; the only problem is that the hide is a 'cichlid stone' and when I pick it up the snake comes with it, and its kind of hard to see into the little hole
You'll want to exchange that for one that you have full access to. Either no bottom or no lid so you're able to get in there for any reason.
Believe me, I'd rather! lol. I'm still setting up the enclosure, and am looking for the right decorations. I had that decoration in the first week because I had it laying around, then took it out because I could never get Zaze out when I wanted; but then I didn't have any good hiding spots, and I thought it might make him feel safer (and more willing to eat), so I put it back.
I just got back from the pet store with new decorations, though, so it's coming out!
EmbraceCalamity
12-21-12, 07:07 PM
Believe me, I'd rather! lol. I'm still setting up the enclosure, and am looking for the right decorations. I had that decoration in the first week because I had it laying around, then took it out because I could never get Zaze out when I wanted; but then I didn't have any good hiding spots, and I thought it might make him feel safer (and more willing to eat), so I put it back.
I just got back from the pet store with new decorations, though, so it's coming out!You can make some pretty cool hides at home too with some aquarium sealant and whatever's lying around. Definitely saves money. :)
~Maggot
You can make some pretty cool hides at home too with some aquarium sealant and whatever's lying around. Definitely saves money. :)
~Maggot
That would turn out badly XD
He just came out of his hide in favor of a new one I brought home, and I can definitely see a bulge! Everybody's been asking if he's eaten yet, and I can finally tell them yes!
Now that he's eaten, when do I feed him next? I've been hearing once or twice every 10-14 days, but would just like to double check.
Aaron_S
12-21-12, 10:17 PM
That would turn out badly XD
He just came out of his hide in favor of a new one I brought home, and I can definitely see a bulge! Everybody's been asking if he's eaten yet, and I can finally tell them yes!
Now that he's eaten, when do I feed him next? I've been hearing once or twice every 10-14 days, but would just like to double check.
I'd go every 5 - 7 days. Feed him probably two more pinkies live before attempting f/t. You want him eating consistently before trying to switch. Also, I would buy a small pair of tongs or hemostats and gently hold the pinky in front of him and see if he'll take it like that. That way when switching to frozen/thawed it will be easier.
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