Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted here about a month ago about my kingsnake. He still hasn't eaten.... he hasn't lost any visible weight...but I am sure it has been at least a couple of months since his last meal. Should I be concerned. He is still active...just not eating.

Any suggestions.?
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Hangin with the Herps
ZZ

Have you cooled the snake down yet? If the snake is healthy, it may be just going on instincts and want to brumate. Cool it down to 60 deg in a dark place with no drafts until mid-Feb.

If you keep hime warm all Winter while he doesn't eat, he will just burn more calories.
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Mark G
Collection:
Beautiful San Felipe rosies
Some CA rosies
Some Ariz mtn kings

how do I cool it down that low?.... he is 8 years old and never done this before...I am starting to get worried about him.

he is in a 55 gallon aquarium. below is his set up (I have a hide in there now...I ususally use it for feeding, but have decided to leave it in there.)

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Hangin with the Herps
ZZ

His natural body rythmns are likely telling him to stop eating and slow down for the Winter, yet you are keeping the temps up and throwing food in his face and then wondering why he isn't responding. His reaction is normal for an adult Cal.

Usually you can find a cool area on the floor somewhere to achieve temps in the low 60s. If you cannot find such an area, then I would leave the cage light off and just use a basking spot via undertank heater. If he uses the heater then fine, and if he doesn't, OK too. Let him decide. Keep the cage somewhat darkened (i.e. cover the front and sides with brown paper or other cover material.)

Brumation is natural. Temps in the 55-60 range for about 3 months is the ideal situation, but I have brumated kings at temps of 65 or so with success. Offer clean water once a week, but otherwise do not disturb.

If you are uncomfortable with trying to cool the snake, then keep him warm if you want. But don't expect him to eat for a few months.
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Mark G
Collection:
Assorted CA rosies
A few Ariz mtn kings

I don't consider offering him a meal about every 3 weeks "throwing food in his face". I have had him for about 3 years (although he is 8 years old)...The person who had him before and I haven't noticed this behavior before and was a little freaked out....I wasn't trying to get you angry. I plan on taking your advice.

He is still using his water (in fact he is bathing off and on), which is under his basking spot. He is just as active as before. I just haven't noticed any other behavior changes that is why burm. wasn't my first choice. I have had my corn snake for a long time too and he doesn't do that.

That is why I come here, for advice....I guess the people here are just as touchy as my beloved King.

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Hangin with the Herps
ZZ

No anger here. Perhaps a little unwarranted frustration on my part, but that is all. This question comes up very frequently, and the answer is always the same. I often forget that there was a time when I didn't understand why my first Cal king wasn't eating in the Fall..

Cornsnakes are known for being less affected by seasonal changes compared to Cal kings. It is not surprising if an adult cornsnake feeds through the Winter if temps are sufficient.

I have put my king in a room for herself, and I keep her light off, she comes out occasionally, for the most part she hides. I have heard from breeders that they just put a fan in the room (on low, I am guessing) an let it cool the room down. They do this for all of their breeders, and yes, these are professionals... This is my advice on the situation. Just make sure your king has fresh water accessible if he does come out.
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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

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Hangin with the Herps
ZZ