Reptile & Amphibian Forums

From what I have heard kings don't eat eat approximatly six weeks before hibernation... My female king has not eaten since 9-1, and she just doesn't seem interested in the food I bring. She is still active during the day and sometimes into the evening. I am guessing the activity is due to the warmth, so she is waiting for it to cool down... I am assuming all of this correctly? Could her eating be slowing due to her knowing it is getting time to hibernate? Thanks.
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~Laura

Rejoice, the age of the fall has begun
We'll dance as the palaces burn.
--Lamb of God, As the Palaces Burn

It is the time of year in all likelyhood, assuming there are no husbandry problems. My adult Cals would always stop eating on their own in Aug. Cool her down as weather permits.
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Mark

Weird.. seems like a long time to not eat before hybernation to me. My snake goes into hybernation 2 or 3 days after eating a big meal. It stores it up for the long winter. Usually I just notice he hasnt left his moss/hide all day, so ill see if he stays there for another day,then if he stays in there and barely moves for 3 days I know hes gone into hybernation. HOPE THIS HELPS
ps I've bin told that even captive snakes will die during hybernation if the havent stored/or put on enough weight before winter/hybernation.

You run the risk of getting some undigested food rotting in your snake, if your snake cools down before emptying its' stomach. It is better to let them not eat for at least 2weeks before cooling. Most of mine stop on their own but to be safe none are eating after the 22nd of thisa month for me. They stay active so do need water. Yes you do need to make sure the wieght is good before the cool down as to reduce chances of loses. But to leave a snake w/ undigested food increases your chance of lose

She has enough fat stored up for winter so I think she will be just fine. I plan on keeping her warm, she wil not hibernate this year. Thanks for all the help!
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~Laura

Rejoice, the age of the fall has begun
We'll dance as the palaces burn.
--Lamb of God, As the Palaces Burn