Why is my cornsnake lethargic and not eating after being outside?

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 temperature in the enclosure. Low temps can affect activity in reptiles. Survey the area around her cage for any negative stimuli. Reduce or eliminate them if possible. Corn snakes are mostly nocturnal, so she may be more active when you are sleeping.

I honestly would not be overly concerned at this point. Snakes can go for very long periods of time (months) without eating at all. At least he is still eating something. He may be getting ready to shed or possibly the tank temperature has fallen too low. I suggest you check the temperature of the tank to make sure it is staying at the correct levels. There should be a temperature gradient of 70-85 degrees so that one side of the cage is warmer than the other. That way he can move around to the temperature he needs at any given time. When they are digesting their food they often need higher temps. After making sure the temperatures are correct, I recommend skipping one week of feed all together. Then the next week, try feeding him again to see if his appetite is back to normal.

The changes to his enclosure may have caused stress. Low temps can affect digestion in reptiles. If temps were down, this could affect defecation. Try soaking him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20-30 minutes. This will provide warmth and hydration. To stimulate defecation, gently massage the belly from front to back during the soak. If the behavior persists, consider an exam with your veterinarian or vet experienced in treating reptiles.

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 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'm glad you found him! Since he was missing for so long, an exam with your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet would be strongly recommended to diagnose and treat any illness or injury. In the meantime, give him a good soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will warm him up and provide hydration. Once he's warm and hydrated, he will be more likely to accept prey.