Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What's up guys, don't know if any of you remember me, I haven't been on here in quite some time. Anyway, just a quick question for you all.

I've had my California king for about a year now, and up until recently, he would lunge at his mice and constrict it when I dangled them in front of him. Well, up until maybe a month or two ago, he completely ignores the mouse dangling until I lay it down and physically place my snake in front of it. He doesn't have a problem eating it after that, but I was just wondering if anyone might have a theory as to why he got lazy about it. Lol.

Also, what is the normal size for a year old cal king? Ike has definitely grown since I got him when he was just a baby, but I thought/hoped he might be a little bigger by now. He's probably about 14-15 inches long, but he's still only about as thick as a AA battery. Any input?

Thanks all!

Here's what I think, he is less aggressive in his feeding response because of the time of year. I've noticed mine to be more aggressive in spring and summer. He probably doesn't look like he's grown much because you see him all the time. 18" and the thickness of a double A battery at its largest point is about average after one year. Measure him and I'm you will find he is at least 18". They don't look their length.
-----

The cage is cooling off, either raise the temps and bit or allow the snake to get cooler. It sounds like your conditions are in limbo(the middle)

If your concerned that the snake is feeding and not growing or gaining weight, then have a fecal done. Parasites will do that if the snake does not have the proper conditions.

A cal king can grow from hatchling size to three feet in one year. Anything between there is dependant on conditions, like temps and amount of food etc. I would think two feet would be a easy normal.

To say what normal is, well, its very difficult, particularly around here. Normally wild snake can access any temp they want when they have food to process. So they will feed alot and grow like a weed. If food is not available, they will seek cooler temps to conserve what energy they have.

In your cage, its based on the conditions you supply, and that would be difficult to say what normal is under those conditions.

Show a picture, have a fecal done, Those would help.