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My snake won't eat after shedding for 3 weeks. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Other Snake | Male

Ares hasn't eaten in just under 3 weeks and I'm really concerned, I've tried every technique that could influence him to eat but nothing has worked, he had a good shed 3 weeks ago, just before he stopped eating, how can I help him? What should I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on February 21st, 2019

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.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on September 27th, 2017

    Look in and around his mouth for signs of injury or infection. Make sure the temps in his enclosure at species appropriate. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. Offer prey at dusk or in the evening. Gently tap the nose to elicit a strike. Cover the cage for more privacy. If you feed frozen, be sure it is sufficiently thawed and warm before offering. If he still refuses food, have him examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian to diagnose illness or injury. Force feeding should not be done without the advice of your veterinarian.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 14th, 2018

    Ball Pythons are legendary for their "hunger strikes". Do not despair. Monitor his weight and keep him hydrated with 30 minute soaks in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Offer appropriately sized prey that has been properly thawed and adequately warmed. A snake will not eat cold prey. Check cage temps as well. A cold snake will not eat. Wait 5-7 days then offer food again. If he doesn't eat, repeat in another 5-7 days. If he begins to lose weight, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 25th, 2019

    Pythons are notorious for their "hunger strikes". Confirm proper environmental parameters first, especially temperature. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. Next, survey the area in and around the enclosure for any negative stimuli. This may include loud noises, strong vibrations, bright lights, cold drafts or high traffic. Reduce or eliminate any if found. If he will allow, look in and around the mouth for any signs of infection or injury. This could be redness, swelling, discharge or bleeding. Have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles if you see anything suspicious. Get some used (but clean) gerbil bedding from the local pet store. Use or to scent prey that is offered. If you feed frozen/thawed, confirm it is adequately thawed and at temperature. A snake will not eat cold prey. Cover the cage to provide more privacy/security. If he doesn't eat, remove prey and wait 5-7 days before trying again. Do not force feed him without the advice of your veterinarian.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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