Snakes don't need to eat all that often. However, when your snake is due a meal, you'll usually see it chow down with relish. If your snake doesn't show any interest in its food, then you may be a bit concerned.

There are a few reasons why a snake won't eat when it ought to. What are some of the most common reasons for this lack of appetite?

Your Snake Is About to Shed its Skin

If your snake's meal is due around the time that it is about to shed its skin, then it may not eat. Snakes typically hunker down at this stage and become quite inactive.

If you're a new snake owner and haven't seen a shedding process yet, then you can usually tell if this is happening by looking at your snake's eyes and skin. Its skin may look dull and less colourful than usual; its eyes may also look dull and milky.

If your snake's lack of appetite is down to shedding, then wait until it is done. It should want to eat again after the process is complete.

Your Tank Temperature Has Changed

Snakes usually need to live in temperature-controlled environments. This keeps them in a healthy condition.

However, if your snake is too cold, then it will become less active. It will need to conserve its energy. Typically, this means that the snake will do as little as possible. It won't necessarily eat because digesting a meal will use up energy it may not have.

While you may have set up your tank at the recommended temperature and humidity levels for your snake's species, it worth checking that your controls are okay. If they aren't set at the right levels or don't seem to be working, then you may need to reset, repair or replace them.

If environmental conditions affected your snake's appetite, then it should go back to normal once you get the right heat and humidity levels again. It should take its meal fine once it warms up.

Your Snake Is Stressed

Your snake may seem to have a laid-back character, but it can get stressed quite easily. For example, if you've just moved to a new home, then the move may have unbalanced your snake. If you've recently moved your pet to a new tank, then it needs time to settle in.

Stressed snakes won't usually eat. If your pet has been through changes recently, then it may need a while before its appetite returns.

While snakes can go for some time without eating, you need to talk to your vet if your snake doesn't start to eat soon. In some cases, untreated medical problems, such as worms, can affect a snake's appetite. If in doubt, head to the vet clinic so they can check your pet over.