Inland Carpet Python Off Its Feed.

[cthol24601]

At the end of the September break we put in place a larger pen for our quite large inland carpet python. The snake has now gone off its feed and will not eat. It moves around the tank as per normal and every so often I get the look it would do when hungry but whe presented with food it seems to get interested, then sniff at it and back its head away like its a a little scared. (Yes I know I am anthropmorphising the snake) Are there any suggestions as to how to better care for the snake? The temp is the first step but right now it is 30 normally so should be fine for her to eat and previously she was quite voracious and blase about eating. Could it be just the shock of the new enclosure?

I will add we had a very bad unseasonably cold snap for the past month (10-15 outside top) , but it is back in the high 20s the past 4 days.

The snake is close to 9 years old.

 

[pythoninfinite]

Sounds like it doesn't feel comfortable in the new enclosure. 30 may be too cool, basking should be up to about 34C. Where are you? If it persists, I would put it back in the old enclosure.

Jamie

 

[Pauls_Pythons]

Did you put the furnishings from the old enclosure into the new?
May be just missing some familiarity?

Agree with Jamie though temp is a bit on the cool side.

 

[pinefamily]

The cooler ambient temperature could be a factor too. And agree with Jamie and Paul.

 

[Iguana]

I also agree with everything said here, also have you tried just leaving the food in the enclosure and leaving the snake alone for a couple of hours? I've got a shy eater and that's what I do for him, I come back in an couple of hours and he's eaten.

 

[cthol24601]

I have tried over night as an extreme for her to eat. I did replace a few of the furnishings. i will try a bigger heat lamp and a warming pad and see if it makes a difference.

 

[Iguana]

I have tried over night as an extreme for her to eat. I did replace a few of the furnishings. i will try a bigger heat lamp and a warming pad and see if it makes a difference.

Good luck, let us know how she goes.

 

[pinefamily]

Is it normal for your python to go off its food when the temps are colder outside? That could be the answer if so; reptiles are very attuned to changes in weather, even with artificial heat.