Snakes have just entered a strange environment and do not eat. Generally, this problem will gradually recover after a period of time. In addition, occasionally related problems will be encountered, and some owners usually respond by forced feeding. But we don't have to do this. There are few cases where forced feeding is really needed, and the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. If you want a reptile that refuses to eat or is stubborn, you must first understand why it refuses to eat.
Most dietary problems are easy to solve, but these problems may be very difficult for a beginner. If we try all kinds of methods, but they still refuse to eat or lose weight obviously, then it's best to take them for examination. Don't force feed. Before that, try to solve these problems by yourself.
1. Consider whether it is caused by environmental factors.
Considering whether the feeding box puts pressure on it to refuse to eat, a warm and moderate shelter can make the snake feel safe. Without proper shelter, snakes may refuse to eat because they are unsafe.
Many novices have excessive enthusiasm. In order to provide a perfect environment, a small snake is kept in a big feeding box. But for a small snake, a large space may not be safe, and a huge feeding box can wait until the snake grows up. In addition, sawdust is deadly to reptiles, and many other substrates may be harmful or inappropriate, which may also cause stress to your pet.
2. Pay attention to temperature and humidity
? No matter the temperature is high or low, a cold snake won't eat it. Many novices will help their pets overheat, because the seller will tell them to heat well, and novices may not really know the actual temperature in the breeding box. Using a thermometer or any accurate temperature measuring equipment can let you really know what is happening in your breeding box.
Whether the humidity is suitable is also an important factor affecting the life of snakes. Different varieties have different requirements for humidity. Therefore, it is very important to prepare a thermometer and understand the habits of varieties.
You'd better not force-feed unless you have to.
3. Is the size of the food fed correct?
The prey is too big to scare the snake, and too small to stimulate it. In addition, some snakes prefer live prey, and the body temperature of prey seems to stimulate the feeding response. Some snakes prefer to eat thawed food because the activities of their prey will scare them.
In addition, to give snakes enough time to eat, they need enough time to react strongly to their prey, but before that, they need a sense of security. Try to put the prey in the feeding box 12 hours or so, and don't disturb the snake.
Forced eating should be used as a last resort. Many people start forced feeding prematurely. After a few weeks, when you have tried almost all the methods you can think of, then use the forced feeding method.
In addition, it should be noted that some kinds of snakes, many individuals eat less in winter. Whether you are hot or not, the ball python is an example. This refusal to eat may be related to reproduction. Many wild individuals have their own biological clocks. Whether you warm them or not, they will stop eating for 2-4 months in winter. Ordinary snakes are not eaten by healthy adults for two months, which will not cause much problem. Pythons can even stop eating for six months and stay healthy. If you exceed this time, or lose less than 70% of your original weight, you have tried everything you can think of, but it still doesn't work, then you can start to consider forced feeding. Of course, we should also consider whether it is caused by disease problems. If you can't judge, you'd better check it.