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Corn refusing food. Any suggestions?


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Posted by crittercrazy on March 26, 2003 at 21:51:06:

(posted this in the corn snake forum, too)

Hi all,
I have a 6 (?) year old male corn who's generally a great feeder. I'm not sure why, but about 2 1/2 weeks ago it was feeding day, so I gave him his usual F/T mouse same as I always do. He didn't want anything to do with it, so I tossed it, expecting him to turn opaque soon.

Well, now it's been almost 3 weeks - and he's showing no signs of shedding. I've tried feeding him twice since then and he's still refusing the food. I've offered the mouse on the ground of the cage like usual. And have also tried dangling it with tongs (which seems to scare him - he's eaten F/T prey since he hatched). I offered a fresh killed pinkie rat which he also didn't want. And I've tried scenting all the prey with live mice.

He's been unusually active lately. Normally he's pretty lazy but now he's been whizzing around the cage and taunting my cats. :) It's almost as if he's pleading for something... every time I pass the cage he's at the door sniffing frantically. I thought for sure he'd eat tonight because he acts as if he's starving. Temps are good. I can't figure what's up with him.

He's very interested in the food. I have a mouse (dead) in the cage right now and he periodically sniffs it thoroughly, even cruises around it to get a better "look". But he won't grab it. He also keeps raising his head/neck into the air and swaying back and forth above the mouse. Not sure what this means.

Anyways, this is getting a little frustrating. He seems a little lighter in weight to me (not severely, I may even be wrong) but other than that, he's alright. Still drinking, and is 3 times more active than usual. If you have any tips on convincing him to eat, or any suggestions as to WHY he's fasting, I'de love to hear them. :) Also, how long should he go without food before a vet visit is absolutly necessary?

Thanks!!




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