Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What do you guys think I should offer a stubborn adult Cal king? She's been ignoring her rats for a while now - several weeks - and has lost weight.

Thanks...
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0.1 Banded California kingsnake - Zorro
1.0 Betta fish - Billy
0.0.3 White Cloud Fish
1.0 RES - Chopstick
0.1 Australian Shepherd - Jet
0.1 Domestic Shorthair Mix Cat - Pirate

If she still has good weight on her and is healthy maybe you should offer her a brumation room. Have you cooled her off for the winter before? Maybe she is trying to tell you something. Getting ready to shed? Maybe an impaction somewhere? Room temps are not right. Could be a number of things. Could you provide a little more information.

COOL HER DOWN AND START FEEDING IN MARCH

That's not an option. I don't have a room I can cool down that much.
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0.1 Banded California kingsnake - Zorro
1.0 Betta fish - Billy
0.0.3 White Cloud Fish
1.0 RES - Chopstick
0.1 Australian Shepherd - Jet
0.1 Domestic Shorthair Mix Cat - Pirate

That's not an option. I don't have a room I can cool down that much.

Find a closet or garage that gets cool. Or maybe a relatives house.

The snake is telling you something.

AGAIN - NOT AN OPTION. Putting her outside or in a cooler room would be the equivalent of putting her in the freezer, and I actually like my snake. I have been asking for a list of prey item ordered by preference - i.e. anoles, gerbils, etc. - but never mind.

AGAIN - NOT AN OPTION.

Maybe you should give the snake to someone who can take care of it properly. Or you can just let her starve to death. Or you can find a closet space with temps between 40-60F.

Putting her outside or in a cooler room would be the equivalent of putting her in the freezer, and I actually like my snake.

I don't think you like your snake that much. What you snake is doing is shutting down because of your husbandry. IT IS NOT THE SNAKES FAULT! It is your fault for not understanding or listening to advice. If she has been eating rats and suddenly shuts down there is a reason. You can figure that out on your own or ask real questions. Either way it is about the snake and not YOU!

There is no need to be a jerk about it. You never answered my question. The only place I could have left her would have been on my porch where dogs have access to her. Please excuse me for saying that I am quite fond of my pet. Next time, try answering the poster's question(s) before jumping down his/her throat.

she eats rats ?
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"You look like a guy caught smugling reptiles in his pants" John McCain to David Letterman
Doug L

I feed her small rats.
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0.1 Banded California kingsnake - Zorro
1.0 Betta fish - Billy
0.0.3 White Cloud Fish
1.0 RES - Chopstick
0.1 Australian Shepherd - Jet
0.1 Domestic Shorthair Mix Cat - Pirate

Just to clarify a few things:

1. This is only the second time she has refused food for an extended period of time in six years - the first being when she as two.

2. I do not have an area that I can keep cool enough to brumate her.

3. I asked what I could offer her as far as food items.

Thanks.

A little history helps!! We thank you. How long has she been eating rats?? Just curious. Maybe try something a little smaller and see if she takes it. Not sure how big these small rats are but maybe a smaller mouse.

She has been on rats for over a year. Please refer to the original post for the actual question - AGAIN.