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Adult corn not eating in almost a month

J

JakeMiller13

New member
I've got a boy about 2 years old who's eaten very well up until this point. His most recent meal, however, was 15Mar. I've read about how guys can pass on eating for a while come spring time, but how long is normal? I've tried feeding him 5 separate times in the last month, but he is completely uninterested. I've tried his normal size f/t and a smaller size. I've done the mouse dance, I've left him alone in his cage with a mouse, I've tried nighttime, morning time...nothing at all. Haven't tried braining yet...

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance
 
Offering five times in a month after he's refused is too much, it's pretty typical for him to deny food with such frequent offerings.

First make sure his environment is perfect. Humidity isn't usually huge with corns but make sure he's not dehydrated. Keep the temps at a stable 80-85 on the warm side, make sure the nighttime temp drops aren't extreme. Don't do any handling at all until a few days or more after he's successfully fed.

Next make sure the snake is healthy. Listen for wheezing, look for mucous coming out of the mouth. Those are signs of a respiratory infection. If you can, check for mouth rot. Look at the most recent stools, are they runny?

How old is your snake? If he's a healthy adults I would wait a week, then offer food in a feeding bin. If he doesn't strike and eat, place the mouse inside and cover it then check on him in the morning.
 
I generally only offer males in breeding mode every 2 weeks or so. Saves on wastage and doesn't stress them out. 6 weeks or more is normal for my boys at this time of year and they've never lost condition
 
Thanks all for the responses.

@Pain, yes, he is extremely active. Coming out pretty much anytime I'm in the room.

@VickyChaiTea, all temps seem to be fine. His warm side is consistently where it should be, and like I mentioned, he is very active so I'm pretty sure that's not it. He doesn't have any mucous or anything like that, but he does do that thing that vaguely resembles a full-body snake sneeze on very rare occasions. I haven't noticed it recently anymore than before though. I remember reading somewhere that getting him out/handling and active can sometimes encourage his appetite - you mentioned no handling at all though. Do you think it's too stressful?

From what you all are saying, sounds like I shouldn't be too concerned yet. Thanks again.
 
I wouldn't try any tricks, just offer every two weeks until he decides to eat again. You could even try a smaller (cheaper) mouse like a hopper if you want. I would not worry for at least three months, but I doubt he'll go that long.
 
He's a male. Its breeding season. He'll eat again when hes ready. I have couple males not eating right now either. A month is not a long time if they are in generally good health.

I also have a jungle carpet python that's been fasting for couple 3 months now. He's finally calmed down an in a shed cycle. I'm hoping after he sheds he'll start eating again.
 
Nanci said:
I wouldn't try any tricks, just offer every two weeks until he decides to eat again. You could even try a smaller (cheaper) mouse like a hopper if you want. I would not worry for at least three months, but I doubt he'll go that long.
Click to expand...

That's what I did. I gave mine a hopper and he took it after a few mins.
 
My males aren't eating right now either; it's springtime and breeding season and the boys know it! Flynn's gone over a month without eating, so I just offer once every two weeks like Janine does.
 
Well Kalessin finally ate yesterday for the first time since 15Mar(!). He took a medium mouse, despite being on adult mice for his last few feedings.

Should I expect to have as much trouble next time I try to feed him? Or is it that once he's back in eating mode, there shouldn't be such an issue?
 
He should be back to normal from now on. And when he does it again next year, at least you'll know what's happening!
 
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