Corn Snake

[Vickie_and_Daisy]

Hi Guys... Just thought I would give you knowledgeable lot a go before I go to the vet!!

I have a Corn Snake, about 2 months ago, he wouldn't take his mouse, I thought it may be because he was ready to shed his skin as he went dull in colour (Not sure if this is normal for all snakes, but it is for Floyd), but he didn't, I tried him again a week later and he still didn't take the mouse.

It is now almost 3 months since he has eaten, I have tried putting him in a smaller container with the mouse too to see if this helps, but it didn't tempt him. He did shed last week, but he is still not eating... Does anyone know why this may be or any other ways to encourage him to eat? He is still drinking water and hasn't seemed out of sorts.

[wildwood]

How old is the gentleman? 12 is old age for cornies.

[society]

Perhaps he's sneaking in the cupboard when you are not around and helping himself. Therefore he's not hungry for your feeding.

[Vickie_and_Daisy]

Haha thanks for that... I wondered where all the crisps had gone!!

He's only 3 years old!! so not an old man at all :(

[wildwood]

OK, I presume there is no visual abnormalities such as constipation. It wouldn't hurt to wash your snake in warm water with a mild antiseptic or better, a special solution from the pet shop to combat external parasites.
Also have a look through side the mouth to make sure the gums are a healthy looking pink colour. and if you can get the mouth open, look at the denture and make sure that there is nothing caught that has gone bad. There may also be a sore that is putting Lloyd of his food.

The external parasites option is the most obvious in which case you need to rid the snake of them and most important, thoroughly clean the housing.