Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I've had a grey-banded king snake for over 2 years now, since he was a hatchling. He's always been quite a good feeder and I've always fed him frozen mice or rat pups. Just over 4 months ago he stopped feeding all together. Running up to that he didn't seem so interested in his food. He'd strike it but not wrap around it or anything.

I've tried simulating a winter by reducing the temperature in the tank down to around 60-65 degrees for a couple of months but when I warmed him up again (to about 75-80 degrees) he still wasn't interested in feeding. I've even tried braining a mouse and he's still not taking it.

He appears to be completely healthy, shed his skin only last week (first time since he stopped feeding) and is active enough, just won't eat.

Should I be worried that he's not eaten for over 4 months now and is there anything I should be trying to get him to feed again?

Any advice would be gratefully recieved.
Thanks
David

Not speculating too deeply on illness I would first recommend isolating him for any other animals in case this is a communicable disease.

Once you have taken that precaution I would recommend finding a suitable lizard for scenting (try something native to his local if possible). To reduce the risk of disease I would freeze the lizard and then use it for scenting. I have had luck in the past by skinning off a piece of the lizard and then paste it with some water to the feeder rodent.

You can also rub the scent onto the feeder, but I quit doing that when the pinkies started coming apart, too messy.

Good Luck