Stimson Starvation

[herpe_hendo]

I have a 17 mth old Stimson Python who has not eaten since beginning of July (roughly).

During this time ive tried feeding him and he hasn't responded. He seems interested in the beginning but moves his head away and doesn't bother.

Ive tried braining, rubbing on cats to change scent, and forcing him till he gets angry enough to strike and perhaps take the food. None of this worked and I am concerned that he may have something wrong.

He hasn't produces any poo or urea since about mid July too.

Is there reasons why he perhaps he sin't eating? Is this normal behaviour?

Answers please

Worried and new to the game of reptiles!

B

 

[raxor]

My first guess is it's winter time and it's too cold to eat. How are your cage temps?

 

[bulionz]

um dw m8 i was worryied about my 12month olf childreni but i talk to some pros and its ok just try again about 3-4 weeks i think its just cause cold nights but they will start eating again now its getting hotter and they can go up to over 1 yr with out food so yer im breeding my childreni adults and they havnt eaten for about 4-5 months or something i cant remember got it written down some where

 

[herpe_hendo]

Temps

My temps were lowered a little but now the cool end is 20-24 roughly stays at 23 and the warm end is 28-31 stays at 30 normally!

 

[andyh]

dont worry about it, I have 3 and they all go off their food over winter. As long as they`re not losing condition they`re fine.

 

[marcmarc]

How active is it? My snakes didn't eat much for a while, now I noticed they are being more active (with the warmer weather), and now I have no hassles with feeding. No need to stress the snake out by making him strike, you just end up giving him the *****. Just let him be, and like previously mentioned, no need to stress unless he loses condition. I know that can be easier said than done. Goodluck.

 

[user 16446]

Some of my snakes havn't eaten since May, and some can go for 12 months without food.

I wouldn't be trying to force it myself, 3 months is nothing. Snakes slow down over winter and refuse food when they sense the temps are still cool.

 

[herpe_hendo]

Thank you for your feedback everyone!
He has been quite active considering its been winter - but he's had his days...

Ill persevere through!

 

[notechistiger]

Your temperatures are are too cool if you want him to feed. Also, don't use scenting (especially not with cats, which is a predator...) if he was feeding previously. It will just cause more problems later if he decides he likes the new scent more then rodent.

 

[craig.a.c]

It wouldn't hurt to bump the warmer end up to 32-34 either. I have found when I used to keep my snakes warm in the cooler months they would eat far less then in the warmer months. Even keeping them warm in the cooler months, their bodies know that they should be eating less. Nothing to worry about, once the weather starts warming up he will start eating again.

 

[amy5189]

if you keep your temps up a bit you should find you have no problems. all of my snakes are kept on 32-34 over winter and none of them have ever missed a feed.
so i would say that your snake knows its too cool and is just doing the natural thing. if you're in the dead of summer and its still not eating, then you can worry!

 

[Western python]

Your Stimson has just stopped feeding for the winter .....................My Simsons stopped feeding in may ... and have only just started feeding again in Aug

 

[pythonmum]

My stimson had her first feed 10 days ago. Before that she had a 4 month fast, which is normal in winter, even though my cage temperatures are constant all year. I just wait until she's ready and offer when she starts hunting at night in spring time. If she refuses, I wait at least 2 weeks. She eventually gets back to it and doesn't lose much condition.