Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Yesterday I brought my juvenile cali. kingsnake to work with me for a nature program. His "to go box" is roomy with a hide so he's comfortable in transit. The only person to handle him was myself, but about 10 or so people "petted" him.
He's always been a great eater, 3 f/t pinkies a week. Later last night after giving him some time back in his home, we took him out to feed. He would have nothing to do with the mice. I'm worried that I may have stressed him too much. Should I just try to feed in a few days or could this be a sign of something else?

Thanks.
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annjaret

"When I die, I want to come back as one of my animals."
0.2 Cats - Cordelia and Chloe
1.0 Dog - Jake R.I.P. I miss you little buddy.
1.0 Leopard gecko - Joey
1.1 Ball Pythons - Niame and Nala
0.0.1 Snow Corn - Gandalf
1.0 Aberrant Cali Kingsnake - Cicero
1.0 Husband - Shaun
(Not always in that order...but sometimes)

yeah, he probably stressed a little. It's always good to give snakes a couple days to settle in after any change in their situation--shipping, for example, or a day like the one you describe where in addition to the human activity there may have been bumps on the ride, several changes of temps, etc. Nothing wrong with it, i'd just recommend not feeding hours after a day like that. Usually won't matter but we're trying to optimize conditions.

On the other hand, it could be about to go into shed, or showing the first signs of the subtle seasonal changes (light, temp) snakes may notice more than we do. In any case, it's probably nothing to worry about.

btw, fwiw (geez, internet acronyms--how about "by the way, for what it's worth" when i travel with a snake I take out the water bowl & if it's heavy, the hide box, and I sorta fill the container with crumpled newspaper. I don't want him free-ranging while in transit--think about how in the wild they go into the smallest hole they can find and sit there for a day or days.

peace
terry