Fasting Ribbon- Please help?

[rafiki]

He hasn't eaten for at least 1 and 1/2 weeks for sure, but I think its more, it could be as long as 3 weeks. I'm not positive because both my dad and I take care of him.
We got him from Petco (I know, bad) about 5 years ago as a baby, and he's been a voracious eater his entire life, until now. He usually eats medium (1-2 inches long) feeder goldfish 2-3 times a week.
Otherwise, he is active, bright-eyed, and basking daily. He lives in a 20g with a UV light on 12 hours, off 12 hours.
He's been unhandle-able for the last 2 years or so, spraying his stinky stuff and doing the whole death roll thing. Is this related at all?

Should I offer different kinds of fish? We tried pinkies once months ago, but he ignored them. He doesn't eat dead things either.
Is this some kind of vitamin deficiency?
Should I find a reptile vet? I really can't afford it right now, but if he continues to starve himself, I guess I don't have a choice!
Please help! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
-Kayti

[adamanteus]

Yes, this is 'some kind of vitamin deficiency'.
The Goldfish you've been feeding to him for the past years are toxic to him. They contain an enzyme (thiaminase) which destroys the thiamin in his body. Thiamin is essential for the sythesis of calcium.
I would suggest a vet visit, an immediate change of diet and reading through the Care Sheets on this forum.

[Stefan-A]

What James said, plus that thiamin deficiency can cause neurodegeneration.

[drache]

Kayti
the worst thing about getting a garter or ribbon snake at petco is that they invariably give the wrong dietary advice
I hope it's not too late for your little one
welcome to this forum and I hope it works out alright

[Zephyr]

I'm wondering if the UV light has, in some way detered the effects of the thiaminase. Otherwise, I'd think a 5 year old ribbon fed entirely on goldfish would be dead by now.

[Stefan-A]

No, UV light stimulates the production of D3, which actually is necessary for a lot of diurnal reptiles and is supposed to prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD).

[Zephyr]

No, UV light stimulates the production of D3, which actually is necessary for a lot of diurnal reptiles and is supposed to prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD).

I thought D3 is vital in the use of calcium...

[Elliot]

I thought D3 is vital in the use of calcium...

It is, MBD is caused by a lack of calcium/D3 or a bad ratio of the two.

[rafiki]

Oh my god! He's been fed goldfish his entire life. What should I feed him? Guppies? Aren't they too small?
He refuses to even sniff pinkies, or earthworms.
I'm afraid to use fish from the supermarket because I've heard so many horror stories about it. I'd really rather not go there, if there's any other way.

What do you feed?

[adamanteus]

I use trout (from the supermarket).