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Having a feeding issue.
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by codeman on January 8, 2009
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I'm having a problem with my northern copperhead. He has always been a very finicky eater but its been almost four months and he refuses to eat. Usually when he wont take f/t for a few weeks I'll just give him a live mouse and after that he'll go back on f/t. Ive tried getting the mouse very warm, also a trick someone on here told me about. Soaking the mouse in warm water with some sea salt, which worked very well but now even that is not working. He looks healthy but Ive never had a snake go this long without eating. I know force feeding is a last resort and being that its a hot its REALLY a last resort. My concern is when is enough enough. Should I let him go a few more months and see what happens or is this something I should be concerned with?
Thanks,
Cody
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RE: Having a feeding issue.
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by Jahon on January 8, 2009
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4 months is not something to be too concerned about especially if you say it looks healthy. I have rattlesnakes that randomly go without feeding for months and decide that they want to eat again. I usually dont push it too far with them. I'll throw in a mouse if they eat they eat, if they don't I'll try again the next time I'm feeding the other snakes. Like I said, many times my rattlers will refuse to feed for months and the next time I toss in a mouse they eat it without any problems. At this point in time I don't think it's something you should stress out about. Hope this helps, and have a great day!
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RE: Having a feeding issue.
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by Cro on January 8, 2009
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Many pitvipers stop feeding this time of year, because nature is telling them they are supposed to hibernate.
Try what Archie said, cool the snake for a few weeks. This will keep it from using up it's fat stores. Then when it is warmed up again, it will think it has come out of hibernation, and almost always start eating again.
I had 10 or 12 pygmy rattlesnakes do exactly the same thing, and after a short cooling period, then re-warming all but 2 of them ate. As a matter of fact, they seemed to have a huge appetite.
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: Having a feeding issue.
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by agkistrodude on January 9, 2009
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I have a copperhead that stops eating every year around the 1st week of Sept. She won't eat again until May, some times the 1st week or 2 of June! She does this every year whether or not I cool her down, She'll be 20 this spring. Other snakes I have do the same thing but not quite that long. Take care, Marty
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RE: Having a feeding issue.
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by Rob_Carmichael on January 9, 2009
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Excellent advice as always here - give the snake a short brumation and you should see dramatic results come spring. Make sure the substrate is clean and fresh water provided regularly.
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RE: Having a feeding issue.
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by codeman on January 10, 2009
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Thanks for all the advise. Always good advice found here on this great site. Jahon the snake is about 2 years old. He just shed this week so I guess he's still growing.
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