Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone. I have a 16 year old albino California King that has developed issues eating. Prior to this, he was an excellent eater, eating every seven to eight days like clockwork. About two months ago, he had a very difficult time shedding and wouldn’t eat for nearly three weeks. Now, he refuses to eat unless it has been ten to twelve days since his last feeding. Even then, he will let the food sit in his aquarium for over an hour. Today, it has been eleven days since he last ate, and when finally ate he immediately regurgitated.

I am/always have feed him either fresh killed or thawed frozen weaned mice. I have tried two different sources of mice but neither interests him. He looks and acts normal, although he is a little aggressive like he is when he is hungry.

I’m worried and I don’t know what to do. Since he regurgitated, how long should I wait until trying to feed him again? At what point should I seek veterinary care? Thank you so very much in advance for your replies.

Well, by all means, I would seek veterinary care as soon as possible!!

I personally would wait at least 7-10 days before feeding again and when you do, feed him something half the size of what you normally feed, and then do the same thing a week later. After that, see how he is, and then start bringing up the sizes gradually.

Since he is 16, which can be considered old for quite a few kingsnakes but definetely not all, I also have to throw out the age factor. He may very well be coming to the end of his life, and the characteristics you have posted about may be that he is succumbing to old age. I don't like to suggest that, as I do hope it is not that, but it is very possible and something for you to think about. From what you have said, to me, it sounds very much like old age. BUT, and I say, BUT!!!......it may not. Get him to the vet ASAP and go from there.

Keep us posted! I hope it all works out for your snake!
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Genesis 1:1

One other additional thing to help matters at the vet....bring a fresh stool sample with you to the vet, that way, the vet can do a "fecal floatation" and see if any parasites/pathogens are visible on the microscope slide. This way, he/she can treat things ASAP!.....however, do NOT let the sample dry out though, if it's going to be a day or to til the visit, put the stool sample in an air-tight container, such as a small plastic pill bottle, etc, and put it in the refrigerator.......the sooner, the better.

good luck with the animal!

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

Thank you both for the expertise and advice. I inherited this little guy over a decade ago from a sibling and have become quite attached. Your posts gave me direction and really helped me calm down and focus. To the vet we go...