Why won't my snake eat????

[dawsonkid]

I have a 20" Ball python. Last week he didn't even try to hit the mouse...... So today, 2/20/10, I tyied to feed him agian. He was hitting at the mouse, but kept missing. I tryed EVER trick i could find. I did the shoe box, the pillow case, the stunned mouse, and a dead mouse....... Any ideas why he won't eat? please help me out with this beautiful animal???

 

[snakeguy101]

he looks like he is in BAD shape, the humidity might be too low, you might have a respiratory, or it could be much worse.

To answer your question, your snake will not eat because it is shedding, they usually go off feed for a week or two until after they have shed. when a snake does not shed properly (in one piece) it is usually a sign that they are not well.

Start by dipping a quarter of a pillowcase in water so that it is damp for that portion of it, then go ahead and put your snake in there and leave him but make sure that (s)he stays warm. I would leave it be for an about 2 hours then check and see if the shed has come off, if not then leave it over night and check in the morning, if it is STILL having problems, then it is time to make a vet appointment.

 

[dawsonkid]

Well this picture was taken when i first i got him. He was in bad shape. i got a squirt bottle and i spritzed him every morning and every night. He is breathing fine and in a better state. He strikes the mouse and misses, But when he does latch on, he just lets go. So i'm sure what is happening.

 

[latshki]

sounds like eye caps are stuck, take him to a vet

 

[dawsonkid]

well and that what i though, He just sat under log or on his rock. Didn't do any climbing or anything. So his eye caps? How do you fix that?

 

[snakeguy101]

take a piece of weak masking tape, put it over the snakes face and then peel it off, that should get the caps if that is the problem but I dont think that is what it is since when it does hit the mouse it lets go....

 

[kenC56]

I also agree is sounds like stuck eye caps if he is hiting and missing. I have always been able to work stuck eye caps off w/ some wet q tips and if it is bad a little baby oil.

If that is not the problem just check your temps. It is also quite possible that he just may have went off feed. Bps are notorious for going on hunger strikes. If there is no drastic weight loss I would not worry to much. But if you notice him losing weight I would reccomend the vet.

 

[dawsonkid]

Ok thanks guys. I don't think its the eyes now, because he something i had never seen him do. The climbed in the clay pot i have in their for him. This is the first time in two months.

 

[Brooklynella]

take a piece of weak masking tape, put it over the snakes face and then peel it off, that should get the caps if that is the problem but I dont think that is what it is since when it does hit the mouse it lets go....

That's a great way to pull an eye out. Ask any vet that deals with reptiles ; it's a common call.

dab a little mineral oil on each eye daily.

 

[Brooklynella]

I have a 20" Ball python. Last week he didn't even try to hit the mouse...... So today, 2/20/10, I tyied to feed him agian. He was hitting at the mouse, but kept missing. I tryed EVER trick i could find. I did the shoe box, the pillow case, the stunned mouse, and a dead mouse....... Any ideas why he won't eat? please help me out with this beautiful animal???

According to your other thread you have been doing nothing but feeding this guy. Relax. Snakes do not have to eat every other day, or every week for that matter.