red-tailed Colombian Boa

Question
I have a red-tailed Colombian Boa snake.
It's four months old.......
I bought her when she was two months old......
I had her in a ten gallon tank...then I put her in a fifty five gallon..(three weeks ago) She had been eating and doing fine until a week ago.... She did not want to eat...
and still has not eaten... I tried to feed her again today, but no luck.... She still won't eat...I do not know what is the problem.... Should I take her to the vet to get checked or is this normal...????????? I am really worried about her... Please help.......
                                    Thanks
                                  God Bless,
                                   Bertha

Answer
Hi Bertha,

depending on how long she hasn't been feeding for could help decide what the problem is, especially since you haven't had her long.

Check the temperatures of your tank first. usually that the problem. the temperature should be around 82-84F.

otherwise it is likely just a shed coming on, in a few days time check her over to see if her skin has dulled and her eyes have clouded over. if they do dont try and feed her until she has completed her shed as you will just be wasting time and money.

Mites can also put a snake off feeding. check for small peppery flecks in the snakes water bowl or on his skin. you can get a wet tissue and rub it down the snake's body to be sure. If it is mites they need to be treated by placing the snake on newspaper instead of whatever substrate they are currently on, cleaning the tank VERY thoroughly and treating the snake with an anti-mite spray.

other problems could be a form of infection, ie scale rot or a respiratory infection. if your snake often lifts her head, has excess saliva or mucus in her mouth, blows bubbles or gargles when breathing, these are all signs of respiratory infection. if any are present you will need to take your snake to a vet to get treatment. respiratory infections usually occur due to low temperatures.

scale rot turns scales a brown color and makes them appear damaged and is usually found on the stomach scales. this is caused by excessive humidity in the tank and can be sorted by placing the snake on newspaper and keeping the tank clean and dry. the snake will eventually shed it out. if the problem gets worse, the snake will need to be taken to a vet to get some antibacterial treatment.

to try encourage her to start feeding again, If you don't already use tongs and wiggle the mouse infront of your snake you could try that. this usually gets the snake's attention and they will be more keen to eat it.

try giving her a soak in some lukewarm water for up to 30mins. this can encourage a snake to eat.

you could try warming the mouse before attempting to feed your snake. to do this the best way is to get a small plastic tub and fill it about 2/3 full of boiling water. place the mouse on the top of the tub until it gets warm then try and tong feed your snake.DONT use a microwave, it will make the mouse explode and will cause a stinking mess =)

Try a smaller food size than you would normally feed her. this can encourage a snake to eat. You can also try an alternative food, this could be rat pinkies/fuzzies - depending on your snake's size

Some snakes are really temperamental feeders and will randomly stop eating for a while. I wouldn't get overly concerned about your snake unless it goes without food for over 8 weeks.

Sorry its such a long answer but it should cover most if not everything. Thanks for your question and hope your snake starts feeding again,

Andy