Strike hasn't eaten in 3 weeks. He's very active, he shed 4 weeks ago and again last week. We checked the temperature, checked his nostrils, checked his body for anything out of place, but everything's fine. I read on here that sometimes males will not eat for several weeks because it's Spring. Is there any other signs that we should be on the look out for, if it's anything serious? Also, how long is "too long" for Strike should go without eating? Thank you, in advance!
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Active but not eating
- Thread starter JaciAdam
- Start date
djcanestra
New member
Don't be alarmed. I have a 07 corn and he has stopped eating each of the past two springs -- thinking more about romance than food. It could be months before your snake is interested in eating again but try him every couple of weeks to be sure. My guy, Crush, hasn't eaten for about 1 1/2 months and just shed his skin. Thought he might eat after that but is still not interested.
Hope this helps.
Dean
Hope this helps.
Dean
bitsy
Owned by Corns since 1991
Agreed. If he's three years old or over with no other health concerns, then it'll just be the standard Spring hunger strike. Usually starts when they hit maturity. Not all males do it but most of mine do. Make sure you keep feeding records, so if he does this every year, you'll know what's normal for him and you won't be worried.
As Dean suggests, offer food once every couple of weeks. He'll start up again eventually.
As Dean suggests, offer food once every couple of weeks. He'll start up again eventually.
Strike hasn't eaten in 2 months now. He's very pale and has lost a lot of weight. He isn't active anymore, just curled up in his hut. It looks like he's going to shed, but how can he when he hasn't eaten to get nutrients so he can shed? We're really worried about him. How long can a snake go without eating and still be ok?
djcanestra
New member
While I wouldn't worry about the not eating for two months at this time of year in the case of an older snake -- more interested in finding a mate than eating. My corn stopped eating in late Feb. and just had his first meal a few days ago. Also, they continue to grow and shed despite not eating. My corn shed once during his fasting period.
However, I am concerned about the weight loss and inactivity. Corns looking for mates are usually pretty active especially at night. Has your corn lost a lot of weight? You probably should get him checked by a vet if he has lost a lot of weight. Am hopeful, that others with more experience than me can comment as well.
Good luck,
Dean
However, I am concerned about the weight loss and inactivity. Corns looking for mates are usually pretty active especially at night. Has your corn lost a lot of weight? You probably should get him checked by a vet if he has lost a lot of weight. Am hopeful, that others with more experience than me can comment as well.
Good luck,
Dean
djcanestra
New member
Forgot another point. Prior to shed, corns typically are not as active as other times due to the upcoming shed. Usually stay in their hide until shedding happens.
Memphios
Unknown Entity
That is a good point. I never see my soon-to-shed snakes being active. They feel vulnerable in this state so they are very defensive/protective of themselves. Probably just hiding until he sheds. Good luck, I hope he starts eating soon. My male went on a strike last year as well, was somewhere between 1 1/2 - 2 months.
We figured that he's ready to shed since his eyes are blue; we just thought that it was weird since he hasn't eaten. When Adam held him, he moved around normally. He only became lethargic this past week. Before that he was anywhere and everywhere in the tank. We're hoping that he's just preparing to shed and he'll be active again afterwards. I just didn't know how long he can go without eating and still be ok. Thanks for the advice!
djcanestra
New member
Sounds pretty normal for this time of year and for a snake ready to shed. He may be ready for a good feed after he sheds.
Good luck.
Good luck.