Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can anyone help me?
I bought a king snake two weeks ago. He/she is a little over a foot long. I keep him in a 75-80 tank. There is a heating pad on one side with a hid box(also hid box on cool). It has been three weeks ago the last time he ate. I have tryed to feed him both frozen and live pinkies,fuzzies, and a hopper and he didn't want them. It is okay for him to have not eaten? Should I be worried about him? What should I try to do?

First thing is your tank is too big. Juveniles like a more confined space as they are very easily stressed. Get a 10 gallon tank for him and dont use the 80 gal until he is at least 3-4' long (use a 20 gallon when it outgrows the 10). Second what are your temps ? A heating pad alone in such a big tank is not enough get a basking light. Temps should be 85 on one side and 75 or so on the other. Dont handle the king until he eats also like I said they stress very easily and to show you they will refuse food.

Keith
-----

I concur with Kieth's assesment of the size of your tank. Captive snakes often do not "roam" much in search for food and they can also have feel stressed if the cage is to large. It may also be that he is still adjusting, has temp issues, or is fasting for some other reason. Don't worry to much yet but definatly check each aspect of your husbandry. My adult California King just ate after a self imposed fast of 2 months and I have had several other snakes do similiar things.

Randy
Firehouse Herps