All the above is great advice. Another thing I'd like to mention is that if the substrate is not a very thick layer, a snake will EASILY be able to push it aside as it works it's way into it to hide and remain in contact with the warmer glass bottom temps, so I personally wouldn't see a need at all to go above about 90 degrees. So if you do bump it up a bit, and see that the snake is no longer utilizing the same spot(s) on the warm side, you will then know it is a bit too warm then, and should go back to where it was previously.



Just like the other's mentioned, it is very typical for snakes to not put a whole lot of effort into trying to consume larger prey if it is starting to think about brumation. They will often show signs of being more hesitant too when it comes to their initial striking response as well, and I have found that they will more readily take smaller items instead. This could be a natural way for them to better regulate their digestion should the fall/winter temps get cooler, thus lessening the chances of them regurgitating.



On the other side of the coin, it could just easily be that the prey item is just too darn big too..LOL!



Without seeing this personally though, it's tough to really determine, but both of these situations are the only likely possibilities in this case. More than likely, it sounds like the prey was simply too big for the snake, and after a while, they will give up after a certain point.





~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

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