Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have two Kingsnakes of my own, an alternus and an alternusXthayeri hybrid from Jim Stelpflug. The little guys eat like monsters, growing great. So I must be doing something right with *their* husbandry.

However, I recently took in a juvenile striped California kingsnake. Sadly, the previous owner was no where to be found and I am not sure what his previous husbandry was. I have had him for about two weeks and he has not eaten. He's in a 41 quart tub with aspen bedding, a couple of hides, a water dish, temp from 89 down to 72.

If he was a ball python I would probably just shut up his tub and leave him be for three or four weeks. But I wasn't sure how rapidly Kingsnakes lose condition. Can/will he go on a long winter fast like BPs do? Are there some tricks I should be trying to get him to eat?
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Lincoln, NE
0.1 Pastel, 1.0 Pastel het Pied, 0.1 Pied, 0.1 Cinn, 1.0 Black Pewter, 1.1 Normals, 1.0 Thayeri, 0.1 Thayeri X Alterna, 0.1 crazy cat, 1.0 husband

If he is a juvenile he should be in a much smaller container in my opinion. Hatchling and juvenile kings do not feel secure and kind of "get lost" in oversized cages. If the snake has good weight on it I would not worry. It could be off feed for months if the snake is feeling the impending winter. (not sure where you are). Most of my snakes are going off feed right now but I will keep the young ones feeding if they allowing me too. Many won't.

Figured as much. I have some 28 quart tubs I can move him into. And I'm glad to hear it wouldn't be unusual for him to go off feed for a long while. I have ball pythons and am used to this behavior. I still don't like it, but I know how to handle it. Thank you for the advice.
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Lincoln, NE
0.1 Pastel, 1.0 Pastel het Pied, 0.1 Pied, 0.1 Cinn, 1.0 Black Pewter, 1.1 Normals, 1.0 Thayeri, 0.1 Thayeri X Alterna, 0.1 crazy cat, 1.0 husband

I also live in Lincoln, and some of my snakes also seem to be reacting to the cooler temps and shorter days. I have a Baird's ratsnake and an alterna that normally have extremely strong feeding responses. The Baird's has been refusing food for over a month. The alterna has been acting like she wants to refuse, but she eventually gives in and eats. Neither of them have lost any weight, so I haven't lost any sleep over it. All we can do is give them the proper conditions and keep an eye on them.
MZ