Caspie is still refusing food...

[icygirl]

I asked before on the forum why Caspie might be refusing food, and people seemed to think that it's cause she's looking for a mate. I'm really not used to seeing her refuse food - she usually eats like a champ every week. I was just wondering how long this is going to go on for, and how long until I have to start worrying?

She is 1270 grams, and this is her 3rd week refusing food...

She is otherwise perfectly healthy and acting the same, except that she's out of her hides a bit more than usual. Temps and humidity and everything are the same as always.

[Somed00d]

I have several females that did not eat for 6+ months without any problems. Keep offering food and she will take it when she feels like it.

[icygirl]

I have several females that did not eat for 6+ months without any problems. Keep offering food and she will take it when she feels like it.

Thanks... well that calms my nerves a bit. It's her first winter being of breeding weight so I guess that's why I'm nervous - never seen this before.

Do males sometimes go off of feed for the same reason? I have a new male ball who is still in quarantine, haven't fed him yet but he is also around breeding size as well. Just wondering what to expect for him.

[WingedWolfPsion]

Males are actually much more likely to go off feed during the breeding season, sometimes for several months.
Check the temperatures as well, make sure they haven't gone down as the outside weather gets cooler. I recommend putting lights on timers to keep them at 12/12 light/dark. Keep an eye on her weight--as long as it declines only very slowly, she's probably just fine.

[icygirl]

Well it turns out, she actually did end up eating last night, although it took her awhile (usually when she eats she takes right away). Thanks guys for your advice, I will definitely be monitoring her weight and her feeding schedule.

[tigerlily]

My male seems to be a better eater during breeding season. He skipped a few meals after he finished up the season though.

Also I wouldn't worry too much about a couple missed meals. The best measure of how many meals your snake can miss is by watching her weight. As long as she is maintaining her weight, then you don't have to be concerned. (although it's way easier said than done... I HATE when my snakes skip meals )