Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 5yr old male cornsnake. He was cooled down this winter for 2-1/2 mos. Now that everyone is warmed up he is refusing to feed. Is this normal for the males to refuse to eat after brumation? This is my first year brumating and attempting to breed my kingsnakes. I figure he wants to breed. But I don't have anyone to breed him to. I keep him because he is the tamest snake I've ever owned. I can hand him to the smallest child or the biggest "fraidy-cat" adult and be certain that he will change their mind about snakes. If this is the case will he just "get over it?" or do I need to try and figure out a way to get some food into him? Advice?

Hi,

No suggestions, only a question. If you weren't planning to breed, why'd you brumate the snake? You got his motor running, and now he's all fired up with no place to go.

I cooled the whole building and only removed the small and hatchling snakes. He had been brumated in the past for previous owners. So I didn't think anything about cooling him along with the Kings. It was a hassle and I decided never to do it again in that fashion. But poor Freckles has lost his appetite. What must I do to bring it back aain since he will not be breeding?

I brumate all of my snakes every year, breeders and non-breeders alike. It is typical for the male to not want to feed during breeding season. Nothing bad is going to happen to your snake.

I would recommend putting the male in another room so he can't smell any females and then keep offering him a food item once a week. He will eventually feed. I've had male corns not feed after brumation until May.

Good luck

Kerby...