Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I am new to kingsnake but have owned snakes for some time. I have run into my first feeding issue, well maybe not an issue but it stumps me. We just moved, and for the first time my snake wont eat pre-killed mice. Its corn snake purchased from Don Soderberg over 3 years ago. Its quite a bit cooler in the new house, but she'll eat live no problem. I just find it soooo much easier, and I hear safer to feed f/t. Any hints from you herps out there?

>>>"Its quite a bit cooler in the new house"

As in compared from what temp, to what temp?.......the snake could think it's a drastic seasonal change, and that could account for the difference in feeding behavior.

Also, the temps should be monitored EXACTLY with a reliable thermometer down at the substrate where the snake actually IS, not guessed at, to get a good idea of what's going on.

In any case, an under-tank heat source(heat pad, heat strip,etc..) at ONE END for a "target" temp of around 80-84 degrees, this could easily be used to keep the exact temp in which it was feeding well at the previous house.

Try doing these things, and see if it gets the snake back on track. Also, give the slightly warmed thawed mouse a little iresistable, erratic "wiggle" action,...this will many times trigger a feeding response.

~Doug
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

The old house was mid 70s ambient temp, with the warm side at mid 80s, in the new house it stays mid 60s in the cool end, and still mid 80s in the warm. I use an undertank heat pad. I just didnt know if that would be a concern as she takes the live ones no problem. It really seems like she wants to eat. I'll throw an f/t mouse in and shes all over the tank and the last time I had to "wiggle" the mouse was when she was a baby, but who knows, maybe she forgot that shes supposed to eat it!

The mid 60's is definitely too cool. The mid 70's for the cool end of the enclosure is fine, but I would adjust things to get it as such,....mid 70's..cool end,......mid 80's warm end.

This is what's making the snake's hesitant feeding behavior.

good luck!, ~Doug
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

although i agree with DMong 100% maybe the snake is still getting used to the current "scent" of the house?? had it just been painted?? Cats before.?? it could be a million reasons
~kin
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~Sober Serpents~
www.freewebs.com/soberserpents
Corns, Creamsicles, A Black Rat, Thayeri, Cal Kings, A Jungle Corn(Just A Pet), A Bearded dragon, Leopard Geckos, Green Anoles, a Snapping turtle, and a white cheeked mud turtle

Our rescue:
0.1 green iguana about 3 1/2 feet (Spikey) **PENDING ADOPTION**

It had been painted right before we moved in. Its an apartment, we moved once before and didnt have an issue then. I'm trying an overhead light to raise the temp and see how she does and go from there. She wont need to eat for another week so I'll know then.