a little concerned about my snake...

[stitch]

I have a garter who's a couple of months old (he was born sometime in the summer) and he hasn't been very interested in food lately. He used to eat every 3 or 4 days or so and I've been feeding him small pinkies. The last time he ate was about a week ago so I'm not too freaked out about it, but he was offered food yesterday and wouldn't eat. Could this be because he's going to shed soon? He's only shed once before since I've had him and I didn't notice a loss of appetite last time.
He's also been laying around a lot and not doing much which sort of bothers me since it's so unlike him. He stays in his hide longer in the morning, but maybe it's just the change in seasons.
Anyways, any input you guys have would be appreciated. Like I said, it's only been a week since he ate last but I can't help but be a little worried by his behaviour. I just don't want to lose my snake. :(

[Stefan-A]

It could be that it's about to shed, or just the season. Probably nothing to worry about.

[infernalis]

It could be that it's about to shed, or just the season. Probably nothing to worry about.


Or a little of both.

The season change is affecting about 30 percent of our snakes, many don't eat like they did a few weeks ago.

They almost always go off feed while sloughing (shed cycle) there are a few exceptions, but MOST snakes have no interest in eating while they shed.

[Stefan-A]

The season change is affecting about 30 percent of our snakes, many don't eat like they did a few weeks ago.
Of the snakes I've had for more than a year, 3/4 are clearly affected by the season change. This actually started months ago and judging by their behavior, at least one of them is going to snap out it very soon.

Then again, the season change is pretty dramatic here, especially the light conditions. As long as there is a window in the room, there's no way of fooling them into believing that it's not winter.

[infernalis]

When we moved all the reptiles into the one room, We blocked off access to the window.
(It also keeps nosy people from looking in)

It does not matter, snakes can feel the changes in barometric pressure and other factors that change with seasons.

This can be observed by noting behavior changes when a rain system moves in.

Rain equals abundant food to garters, even if you keep them indoors from birth, they can tell when its going to rain.

So it stands to reason that snakes could sense the change of season without any direct exposure.
(humidity levels change, air pressures, air density, etc..)

[Garter_Gertie]

OH MY GODS! NO WONDER P & J pigged out ealier in the week!

The RAIN! The SNOW! The CRAPPY WEATHER!

Thanks, guys! Appreciate the insight!

[infernalis]

This all makes me think of another good point.

Winter Care!!

Worthy of it's own thread;)

[Garter_Gertie]

Yup, Dekay. And all its tangents and "what ifs."

[Stefan-A]

When we moved all the reptiles into the one room,
Well, I only have one room. :D :) :(

[stitch]

When we moved all the reptiles into the one room, We blocked off access to the window.
(It also keeps nosy people from looking in)

It does not matter, snakes can feel the changes in barometric pressure and other factors that change with seasons.

This can be observed by noting behavior changes when a rain system moves in.

Rain equals abundant food to garters, even if you keep them indoors from birth, they can tell when its going to rain.

So it stands to reason that snakes could sense the change of season without any direct exposure.
(humidity levels change, air pressures, air density, etc..)

That's really interesting, I didn't know that about snakes.

I guess I won't worry about him too much and I'll try to feed him again after he sheds, which I think should be any day now. Thanks everyone who answered my question! :)

[Garter_Gertie]

You're welcome! Glad you joined us. Stay and have fun.