Male going off feed?

[Mike Cavanaugh]

Is it normal for a male to go off feed when he is introduced to a female?

He was only with the female for two days, then off two days, then back with her for two days.... So a total of 4 days. He never missed a meal before this... and now hasn't eaten since, and that was about 5 weeks ago.

He hasn't lost any weight, and is still active like usual late at night.

Is it likely the breeding attempt that did it? is he stressed out from it as a result? or maybe he just saw that as "winter" and decided not to eat?

any info would be greatly appreciated. My husbandry is by the book. two identical hides, 84 on the cold 94 on the hot. humidity 60%. everything is the same as it has always been.

[josh@outbackreps]

Most males go off feed during the winter due to breeding season, if he has been with a female, that is where his mind is, most will not feed when around a female during this time of year.

If you keep him in for 4-5 days on then 4-5 days off he might feed for you, as it will give him a chance to settle back in. Our breeder males didn't eat when we gave them 2 days on then 2 off, but changed to 4 on 4 off and they feed every time, and still breed well.

If he looses weight try to move him to another room and keep him warm, and offer food at night. Most males will not have any problems during the winter being off feed, so let him do what he wants, as soon as spring hits hard he will be back on food no problem.
Good luck with the breeding season.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

Thank you!

Just to make sure I was clear above... he has not been around the female in 5 weeks.


Mike

[josh@outbackreps]

Thank you!

Just to make sure I was clear above... he has not been around the female in 5 weeks.


Mike

O.k I miss read that part, he probably want to breed, and that is why he is off food. I have some bigger males that have not been bred this year that are in the breeder room that haven't eaten in 3 months just from it being breeding season and smelling the females.

Keep an eye on him and as long as he looks good and doesn't loose any weight, let him be until he is ready to eat again. It will drive you crazy but you get used to it eventually.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

Gotcha!

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question!

[Mike Cavanaugh]

update. he stopped eating approx march 1st. this is now Aug 4th, (thats 5 months) and he still has not eaten. while he does look skinnier, he has lost less then 100 grams. right now he is in shed for the third time since going off feed. I have tried to feed once every week... absolutley not interested. Any advice?

temps, humidity, hides, are all by the book.


Mike

[littleindiangirl]

Have you tried prekill overnight? Or tried to switched food items at all to get him interested again?

[extensive]

its been 8 months for one of my males. im not worried. monitor their weight and get used to it.

[Spaniard]

I have a male who goes off feed every year for 5-8 months around breeding time. This year I had to move him from a 32qt back to a 15qt to get him eating again, he ate for me 4 weeks straight in the 15qt before I moved him back up to the 32qt and he's continuing to eat for me now.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

thanks guys and gals... i will try the things suggested. smaller tub, and dead overnight.