Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hello. for all that has been helping me out, first w/cooling my desert king, and those that helped me get my az mt kings. Just a status update, I took my desert kingsnake out of cooling last week. I attempted to feed her last night, and still no go. how long do you usually wait till after cooling before feeding? also, i believe the cool side is alittle cool for her, the cool end averages around 66-70 degrees. that is my room temp for this time of year.. the warm end i have a uth set to 85. Should I use a small bulb on the cool end to raise those temps up? and if so, what temp should I shoot for? Im wondering if thats why she still not eating, maybe she is still sensing the colder temps? unfortuntly my room temp does not get to lower 70's to around mid may or June. these lower temps are ok for my corn, and my Pyros, but I dont think they are good for her. I have her in a 20 gallon long tank, and i have cardboard wraped around the sides and back, and also have cardboard wrapped in foil on the top of the screen. also, my new pyros are doing really good. They are both eating fine, the both took two pinkys the other day for me with no problem(actually they look like little hogs, LOL)...thanks again, Pete

I don't think your temps are problem. Some snakes just take longer to start feeding post-brumation than others. I keep my deserts at the exact temps I use for my corns and other kings.
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

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Brad's right, but i will say this, if your trying to cool an animal, those temps won't work for a cool end. 68 and 70 is too high, the snake continues to use its' stores and will deplete them. I'd try a split brain next, in a small, dark container, but honestly, I reckon splendida to others keeping brooksi, I haven't met the splendida that refused to eat, eventually. I think you are rushing the trying to feed scenario, you need to leave the little one alone for a few days to acclimate to your new temps, then try to feed. While they are not thayeri or holbrooki (per say) they are very similar. I just fed a few holdouts yesterday and they were voracious! I never give up, but some snakes just don't make it through our "processes". I'm not trying to be a doomsayer, just giving you a possible heads up. I'd certainly go for a split brained next, followed by a tease feeding tecnique. email me and we'll talk some more, I wanna see you through this.

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Todd Hughes

Yeah, I agree with the others. 68 deg is not cold at all for the snake. Be patient. I had many colubrids that wouldn't feed until March. In fact, if you can, as long as the snake is not feeding, keep the night time temps cool (no heat at night).
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Mark