Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted this a couple weeks ago in the "health/diet" forum but no one answered, so I'll ask again.

I've had a Cal King for almost 2 months, have never had a snake before, and he shed a couple of weeks ago. After he shed he wouldn't eat for a week and a half. but from everything else I've read they're usually really hungry after they shed. He shed in one piece just a few days after I realized he was about to shed. I tried feeding him every couple of days and he kept going and curling up in his water bowl when I put the mouse in there, but never ate (and spent the whole night sleeping in the water bowl one night). So, before the next shed I'm trying to find out if anyone elses snakes do this, like do they need to stretch their new skin using the water or something? I don't want to have to throw away mice anymore (he eats overnight and if he leaves them they're "spoiled" by morning).

when he finally ate, I had to get some of those really tiny frozen pinkies and I gave him 2, so also maybe the other pinkies were too big? but he ate some that size before he shed.

here's a couple of pics of him (he's really skinny):

This seems like a very common question on this forum I've noticed over the past several years, with more new snake owners out there and on-line all the time. Of course I was also one, and had similar questions to pose as at times it can get a little nerve racking and you want to make sure you're doing what's right for the snake. My Cal King looked just like yours, was nervous, jumpy and on edge and rattling his tail, didn't always eat every mouse I offered, and yet in time probably after a year or two, became a big tame beautiful snake. Patience is key and never give up. I think perhaps most amateur novice snake owners like us go though this, and just keep asking questions and closely observing your snake. It is essential to have the right basic set-up and temps with fresh water and a good hide or two, so your snake is healthy and will be more likely to have a good appetite. The soaking seems normal and I recall the same behavior with my young snake, but maybe it's too hot in your enclosure? Make sure you are providing enough and the right size mice, maybe fuzzies if he can handle them, to allow the proper growth. Good luck, great looking snake.
Jim