Posted by:
markg
at Sat Dec 10 18:45:10 2005 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by markg ]
This situation is common in captive Cal kings. We usually respond by cooling the snake to 55-60 deg until Mid Feb or so. This way, the snake is not burning lots of calories during this period.
As far as captive husbandry goes, this method seems to work well.
But, what about those warmer days in Winter when a Cal king (in the wild) would be able to thermoregulate to an optimum temp for digestion? Would some kings then eat if they could find food? In captivity, this has happened to me. I didn't keep the cages at 60 deg all the time. I live in Cal king range. On warm days, I heated the cage on one end. Some kings would eat for me if offered food. Some wouldn't.
So I guess I would say, cool the king, but once in awhile warm an end up and see what happens. You may be surprised, or you may not be.
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RE: Winter onset/refusal to feed - markg, Sat Dec 10 18:45:10 2005