Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My boyfriend has a California king snake that is about a year old and probably 3 1/2 ft long or so. He has had it for maybe a month and half, and during that time it has only eaten twice. It will not take live food, though that's what they told us it was eating at the pet store. She was put into a round feeding tank with the mouse and she would strike at it, but not get it and soon lost interest. We tried feeding her f/t with tongs but she won't even look at it. She has eaten twice though, the last time being 2 weeks ago and she is offered food every week. I don't think its really anything to worry about (my ball python didn't eat for almost 2 months before I figured out she liked live), she is shedding fine and the temps are good, and her body is rounded out and nice, but my boyfriend is frustrated. My snakes are still young, so my question is, do adult snakes not need feeding every week like young snakes do? If not, then what could be the reason the king doesn't eat, and what are some tricks to help her eat regularly?

see the post below yours.

The snake is trying to brumate. Shut down the temps and wait till spring.

Also this question is asked quite frequently during this time of year. Spend a little time rading especially when this subject comes up so often. Or do a search with the word "brumate" or "hibernate"