Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Greetings to all. A bit new here, and seeking some advice.
I have a Nelson's Milk Snake, approx 3 years old according to pet shop - I have had him 2 years, he was rougly 1 year when I got him (or so they said). I have always fed him live fuzzies with no problem...he was a ready eater. For the past month, I have tried to feed him 5 or 6 times and he just isn't interested. He seems very withdrawn, wanting to burrow and stay hidden all the time. The folks at the pet store told me they can go months without eating, but it just doesn't seem like his normal pattern. He isn't really showing signs of malnourishment or dehydration (I catch him in the water bowl sometimes when he comes out). The weather has starting getting really cold here the past 2 weeks, but he ate through all last winter. Would the season trigger a habit pattern change? Is this cause for alarm, or is he just trying to hybernate? Need advice please, and thanks.

The snake wants to brumate. This is normal for adult colubrids like your Nelsons. Younger snakes will often not display this behavior, but most adults will (and 3 years is essentially adult sexually.) Cool the snake down and it will be fine. No food of course, only fresh water. Keep the cage dark and 55-60 deg or as best you can near that until late Feb or start of March.