My corn snake stopped eating his second mouse. What's wrong?

Thanks for reaching out about Ivory and including a photo. You are correct that snakes can be finicky eaters during weather changes. If you feed mice, try offering rat pups: to snakes they smell and taste differently. If that doesn't work, a veterinary visit is recommended as intestinal parasites or infections are common. Good luck.

Check the temperature in the enclosure. Low temps can affect digestion, slowing it down. As long as he is behaving normally otherwise, wait it out. if he becomes lethargic or stops eating, have him examined by your herp veterinarian.

Thanks for reaching out about the snakes. Breeding season can be an explanation for not eating, but these animals remain very active and alert. If lethargic, weak or quiet, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Being together, intestinal parasites would be a plausible explanation also. Good luck.

Check the temps in the enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. next, make sure you are offering appropriately sized prey. If it is too bog, he won't eat it or may regurgitate it afterwards. If you feed frozen/thawed, make sure it is at least room temperature before offering it to Ares. A snake will not eat cold prey. If he will allow, look in and around his mouth for signs of infection or injury. This may include redness, swelling, bleeding or discharge. Anything suspicious should be addressed by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte to treat or prevent minor dehydration. Offer prey and cover the cage afterwards. If he doesn't eat, remove it and try again in 5-7 days. Do not force feed. If you can provide the species, we may be able to provide more specific advice. If Ares is a ball python, they are notorious for their "hunger strikes". Make sure he stays warm and hydrated. Identify and reduce or eliminate any negative stimuli in or around the cage.

I suggest you just not feed her for a few weeks and then try again. Her lack of appetite may be due to shedding. Reptiles can not eat for months and still be fine. It is not ideal for them to go quite that long though. So, wait a few weeks, try again with frozen-thawed and see what happens. You are welcome to post again if she doesn't eat and we can see if we can help you better. Be sure he cage temperature is correct. If they are too cold they often won't eat. Basking spot temperature should be 88 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit and an ambient temperature of 78 to 80 degrees. The ambient temperature should not fall below 75 degrees.

Check the temperature in their enclosures. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles. If you keep them in the same enclosure, consider housing them separately to avoid stress or aggression. Survey the area in and around the enclosures for any negative stimuli. This may include loud noises, strong vibrations, bright lights, cold drafts or high traffic. Reduce or eliminate any if found. Letting them out on the lawn or in the garden is not recommended as they could escape, get injured or pick up parasites.

If he can eat baby rats, feed him baby rats. Going off food before, during,or after a shed is normal. Confirm proper temperature and consider covering the cage or placing him in a pillowcase with prey at the next meal time. If he doesn't eat, wait 5-7 days then try again. Keep him hydrated and stress free in between feedings.