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[deborahbroadus]

Inappetance is the second-most frustrating problem that we deal with as reptile owners. There are a number of reasons for the snake to stop eating and a number of solutions. Below are some reasons grouped for easy identification, but several factors may be at play in any one case of anorexia.

According to What's Wrong With My Snake by John & Roxanne Rossi D.V.M.,M.A:

Environmental Factors:
Perhaps the most common reasons for failure to feed are environmental. Temps and/or humidity increases or decreases, which may be imperceptible (not readily observable) to the owner, may trigger a loss of appetite in a captive snake, even a long-term captive. Maintaining a snake in a cage with a thermal gradient that approaches its preferred optimum temperature rang (POTR) for day and night cycles help its appetite.

Shortening of the photophase in the fall or winter also may be responsible for the sudden onset of Inappetance. If there is a window in the room where the snake is kept, inappetance may occur even if artificial lightening is provided. Some species cue in on the natural light cycles, regardless of the artificial light cycle you may offer. At the opposite extreme, excessive lighting--continuous light-- can result in anorexia; also, the quality and intensity of the light you provide may contribute to a loss of appetite if that light is not appropriate for a particular species or an individual specimen.

Then we have the seasonal barometric pressure variations have been shown to be important in the activity patterns of some reptiles and presumably these may affect their appetite as well. We need to remember that anorexia is a normal self-protective mechanism for many temperate-zone reptiles in preparation for hibernation (brumation). Force feeding during this time is usually uncalled for and may result in trauma, leading to anorexia later.

The substrate (cage bottom material) is often found to be a cause in cases of anorexia. Certainly, secretive snakes like the Arizona coral snake (Micruroides euryxanthus) or shovelnose snake genus Chionactis may refuse to feed unless they are provided with a good burrowing medium such as mulch or sand. similarly, arboreal snakes may refuse to feed if they are not provided with stable branches. Cage size is another extremely important captive environmental factor. Many snakes will begin feeding after is has been placed in a larger or smaller cage, depending upon its needs. Of course, we need to research all of these factors before arrival of the animal in question.

Dietary Preference Factors

The dietary preferences of certain animals are well known. Unfortunately, the preferred diets of many species are either unknown or not readily available. Many herpetoculturists have become extremely ingenious (as we have to be) at tricking their carnivorous snakes into feeding by utilizing scent-transfer techniques: rubbing a preferred food item on a available prey item. Some individuals will only take dead food, while others will accept only live food. some will take dead prey, but only when you shake it in their face while holding it with long tongs or forceps. The size of the prey item offered can also be relevant.

Psychological Factors:

Psychological factors such as the location of a cage, its stability, and visibility of the surroundings may negatively affect a snake's appetite. The presence of more than one snake in the same cage may inhibit the feeding of the submissive one, and of every snake present if they are all nervous or territorial animals. Frequent handling by the keeper (until the animal adjusts) frequent passersby, and even frequent cleaning also may inhibit feeding. Prey sometimes may injure an otherwise good feeder, which can result in a "mouse shy" snake. Therefore it is always advisable to house snakes singly, in stable cages, with restricted visibility. Handle snake less frequently if it is a finicky eater.
Of course, periods of anorexia are natural for many snakes, particularly just prior to shedding and during hibernation or winter rest period. Male snakes during breeding season and gestating female snakes also stop feeding as a matter of course.
Overfeeding a snake may cause fasting later on but it is not a cause for a concern. some specimens binge and then fast as part of their normal eating habits, a process that may be tied to natural cycles of food availability in the wild.

Medical Factors:
Medical reasons for anorexia in reptiles are numerous. The most common reason is parasites, especially in WC. Long-term captives are also vulnerable if they either have never been treated or have not been treated recently. Regular fecals exams and treatments are strongly advised as it would be for a dog or cat. Intestinal impaction caused by ingestion of improper substrate such as small sized gravel or ground corncob, are a close second cause of anorexia in smaller snakes. Infections involving any or all systems--including R.I. are other reasons for inappetance, and of course a snake with a bad case of stomatitis (mouth rot) or pneumonia may not have a desire to feed.

Hopefully the above details are helpful in determining, What's Wrong with your BP when he/ she doesn't eat.

Our sincere Thanks to the authors and editors.