Do you think he's fasting?

CosmicOwl · 01-24-15, 02:58 PM

It's been two weeks since my grey rat snake last ate, which is unusual for him. When he didn't eat last week, I assumed he must be getting ready to shed, because that is essentially the only time he will turn down food. After another week though, he hasn't gone into shed and he's been very active. Every night he has been out patrolling his enclosure as if he was hunting.

I've offered him mice, rats and a chick, but he hasn't attempted to eat any of them. He smells them and even follows them a bit, but won't commit to biting. It's almost like he changes his mind at the last. Otherwise, he seems healthy. He's active, alert and has plenty of energy. So, my next thought is that he might be fasting for breeding season. However, it seems a bit early and I haven't done anything to simulation a changing of the seasons

He's 17 months old, about 4.5 feet long and 436 grams, which seems a bit on the young/small side. He's kept at the same temps, in the same room with two other snakes that still eating. What do you guys think? Is he fasting or maybe just taking a break for some other unexplainable snake reason?

Cmwells90 · 01-24-15, 04:29 PM

I wouldn't say he's getting ready for anything. Two weeks is still early for a snake to not eat. I would just keep offering and assume this is normal.

Plus I think he's too young to be ready to breed or going into a breeding "mode"

CosmicOwl · 01-25-15, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmwells90

I wouldn't say he's getting ready for anything. Two weeks is still early for a snake to not eat. I would just keep offering and assume this is normal.

Plus I think he's too young to be ready to breed or going into a breeding "mode"

I would agree, but this isn't normal behavior. He never refuses to eat unless he's going to shed. I'm worried about it, but it does seem strange to me.

IW17 · 01-25-15, 05:17 PM

Idk where you live but consider the time of year. Some snakes will fast in the winter months. And considering g garters are a species that naturally hibernate, it wouldn't surprise me if their feeding habits got a little off pattern in the winter.

**EL Ziggy** · 01-25-15, 06:41 PM

If his temps and humidity are in line I wouldn't worry at all Owl. It's about that time of year when a lot of snakes go off feed. Sometimes it's the cooler temps and it could be due to breeding season. Your little boy is becoming a man

. Both my kings are just a little older than your rat and they have both taken long food breaks this year. The male is eating regularly now after 3 months of intermittent feeding but the female hasn't eaten in 3 weeks. Keep offering food every 7-10 days until he comes around. I also don't think he's particularly small for his age. Rats and Kings are pretty comparable colubrids. My Cal King is 2 and weighs about 470g. My MBK will be 2 in April and she weighs 550g. Your guy seems right in line. Keep us posted.

CosmicOwl · 02-28-15, 02:15 PM

I haven't been around lately, but I thought I would update you guys. He's only eaten one mouse since I made this post. However, I've been watching his weight and he hasn't lost a gram. He's still active and alert, but hasn't shed. I've been offering him food every week, but he's just not interested in eating.

**EL Ziggy** · 02-28-15, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmicOwl

I haven't been around lately, but I thought I would update you guys. He's only eaten one mouse since I made this post. However, I've been watching his weight and he hasn't lost a gram. He's still active and alert, but hasn't shed. I've been offering him food every week, but he's just not interested in eating.

I think you're ok Owl. I'd offer food every 10-14 days until he starts eating again so you don't waste as many feeders. My MBK has only eaten 5 times in the last 4 months. She's not losing weight either. I'm pretty sure they'll pick up as the temps warm up and/or breeding season winds down.

CosmicOwl · 03-05-15, 02:16 PM

Thanks for the reply. I'm sure he's okay, but it's just a little frustrating. I haven't been wasting food with though. What he turns down I feed to my male corn snake, who isn't off food.