Male chequered won't eat

[matg87]

Hi all, my 2 yr old male chequered garter hasn't eaten for two weeks now. I used to feed him fish up until a year ago where he went off his food so I converted him to earthworms which he took with no hesitation. At the moment he refuses both worms and fish, he takes no interest in the food when I offer it to him. He usually eats worms every 4-5 days.

The snake seems as fine and active as I've ever known him to be, and he did shed his skin completely two weeks ago too.

Any advice on what action i should take?

[guidofatherof5]

With it only being 2 weeks I wouldn't be too worried. My garters will go off food from time to time. A few for a month or more.
As long as you don't see any major changes in weight, shape, activity or attitude(other than the not eating). I would continue to offer food.
It's probably nothing but it's good that you're aware of the change.
What are you feeding for fish?

[matg87]

Hi Steve, thanks for the reply. I will keep an eye on him. I offer him slices of trout fillet, but he has always seemed to prefer worms.

Mat

[mustang]

tease feed, isolated feed, use all options in your arsenol....wish you the best of luck

[matg87]

Hi, I're tried these, I didn't offer him him any food for a few days as i thought he had go too used to the scent, tried isolating him today with some worms in a smaller tub, left him for an hour and he hadn't taken any interest in feeding him. I go on holiday tomorrow and am worried as I will leave my parents to look after him which hs been no problem i the past, i would just like to see him eat.

Will the snake get to the point where he is so hungry he will take food or can these animals literally starve themselves to death?

[guidofatherof5]

Will the snake get to the point where he is so hungry he will take food or can these animals literally starve themselves to death?

Starving themselves to death usually occurs at the end of a long life of if there is an illness/disease present.
I've had snakes go 3 months without food. Then they decided to start eating. Make sure while your gone your snake has plenty of clean water.