Getting desperate

[EL Ziggy]

Hello all. I'm not sure if I'm over thinking the situation or reaching for straws so I thought I'd ask. My normally voracious eating Cal King has refused food for the past 3 weeks and I'm not quite sure why. There haven't been any major changes in his behavior but he doesn't seems to be quite as active as usual. His temps are spot on (76/85). He hasn't had any significant weight loss but I think he looks a tad bit slimmer (hard to be sure). I was wondering if the change in outside temperatures might be affecting his appetite. It's getting cooler here but his viv temps are pretty stable. I also wasn't sure if the change in daylight hours was throwing him off so I've been turning off his UTH during the day and using a 75 watt heating light. I'm trying to better simulate a day/night effect since the room he's in only get's modest natural sunlight. I turn the light off at night and turn the UTH back on. Is this a good idea? Someone also mentioned that he may be getting ready to brumate and that could knock him off feed for a while. Not sure what to do about that. Like I said I'm running out of ideas and just want to get him eating again. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. TIA and have a great day!

[wrecker45]

I have a Cali King it gets a rat pup on wed. and one on sun. Im in northern ont. It is cool here also. He is eating like a pig.

[drumcrush]

My Mbk stopped eating over winter, maybe that's it. She just would not eat for almost 3 months.

[Terranaut]

My king has taken a little food break as well. This happens yearly for a month or so. Very normal.

[EL Ziggy]

Thanks everyone. My MBK, Sasha Fierce, seems to be eating normally so I was concerned about my Cal King Caesar. I've been reading about quite a few snakes going off feed recently on the forum so I guess I shouldn't worry. This is my first winter with both my snakes so it's a new experience and a lesson learned. Thanks again.

[sharthun]

Didn't you say that Sasha Fierce's viv is in a room with more access to sunlight? If so, you might think about moving Caesar's viv into the same room for awhile. Just a thought...;) All three of mine are feeding normally but are in a room with good access to indirect sunlight.

[EL Ziggy]

Didn't you say that Sasha Fierce's viv is in a room with more access to sunlight? If so, you might think about moving Caesar's viv into the same room for awhile. Just a thought...;) All three of mine are feeding normally but are in a room with good access to indirect sunlight.
Steve- There's definitely more indirect sunlight in the room Sasha Fierce is in (my bedroom), but I don't think my son would be too happy if I moved Caesar out of his room. My girlfriend probably wouldn't like it much either. I'll be happy when we move into the house next year and I'll have all the snakes in one room, unless my 4 year old son says otherwise. In the interim I'm keeping the blinds open in his room and using the white light during the day. I hope this helps but from what I've been reading it may just be that time of year that some snakes go off feed. Have all yours been eating normally?

[sharthun]

Steve- There's definitely more indirect sunlight in the room Sasha Fierce is in (my bedroom), but I don't think my son would be too happy if I moved Caesar out of his room. My girlfriend probably wouldn't like it much either. I'll be happy when we move into the house next year and I'll have all the snakes in one room, unless my 4 year old son says otherwise. In the interim I'm keeping the blinds open in his room and using the white light during the day. I hope this helps but from what I've been reading it may just be that time of year that some snakes go off feed. Have all yours been eating normally?

LOL forgot about your son! I bet he wouldn't be happy. Yeah all three of mine are eating normally.

[revent]

My Cali king hasn't really seen much sunlight or artificial light at all for that matter in the last month or so. He's in a room with windows but he's on the bottom shelf and there hasn't been much sunlight in washington lately anyways. But with that said he is still just as voracious as ever.

[EL Ziggy]

My Cali king hasn't really seen much sunlight or artificial light at all for that matter in the last month or so. He's in a room with windows but he's on the bottom shelf and there hasn't been much sunlight in washington lately anyways. But with that said he is still just as voracious as ever.
Hmm, so maybe it's not the light situation after all. I'm hoping my guy will get back on track this week. He's normally a beast when it comes to food.

[Kera]

not a king, but my IJ is refusing food lately too. Iguess it's just that time of year. kind of worried about her though. she's lost quite a bit of weight. best of luck to you:)

[EL Ziggy]

not a king, but my IJ is refusing food lately too. Iguess it's just that time of year. kind of worried about her though. she's lost quite a bit of weight. best of luck to you:)
I've been hearing it's just that time of year too Kera. Let's hope so. I hope your IJ get's back on track soon too. Best wishes.

[Kera]

I've been hearing it's just that time of year too Kera. Let's hope so. I hope your IJ get's back on track soon too. Best wishes.

Thanks, you too~

[sharthun]

I've been hearing it's just that time of year too Kera. Let's hope so. I hope your IJ get's back on track soon too. Best wishes.

Good luck to both of you! Caesar needs to grow to 6 feet! lol;):D

[EL Ziggy]

Ok, its been 5 weeks now since my Cal King, Hannibal Caesar, last ate. He still hasnt lost any weight that I can see. I'll weigh him again in a few days. He was 105g last week. Temps are still good at 74/86. Just not showing any interest in eating. I tried scenting with tuna tonight, to no avail. I think im gonna try a live hopper this weekend unless someone has a better idea. I'd love to hear one. On a good note my MBK, Sasha Fierce, had the leftovers for seconds. At least shes eating well.

[sharthun]

Ok, its been 5 weeks now since my Cal King, Hannibal Caesar, last ate. He still hasnt lost any weight that I can see. I'll weigh him again in a few days. He was 105g last week. Temps are still good at 74/86. Just not showing any interest in eating. I tried scenting with tuna tonight, to no avail. I think im gonna try a live hopper this weekend unless someone has a better idea. I'd love to hear one. On a good note my MBK, Sasha Fierce, had the leftovers for seconds. At least shes eating well.

Well darn! Medusa refused mice tonight lol

[EL Ziggy]

Well darn! Medusa refused mice tonight lol

Get out, no way?! Shes been eating pretty good though, even doubles on occasion, I'm sure this was just a fluke for Medusa. She'll be back on track next week. Congrats again on the new addition brother. Im very happy for you. ;)

[sharthun]

Get out, no way?! Shes been eating pretty good though, even doubles on occasion, I'm sure this was just a fluke for Medusa. She'll be back on track next week. Congrats again on the new addition brother. Im very happy for you. ;)

Thanks! Your turn soon! ;) Medusa will be fine lol

[KORBIN5895]

I need to reiterate that it is just that time of year. Especially for males.

[EL Ziggy]

I need to reiterate that it is just that time of year. Especially for males.
Thanks for the reassurance Korbin. Do I just wait him out? How long before I should be concerned? Would you advise against trying live at this time and to just keep offering f/t every 7 days? I appreciate the advice. Thanks again.

[EL Ziggy]

Ok, its 7 weeks and counting since Caesar last ate. I offered again tonight and he just wasnt interested. He just sniffed it and slid away. I didnt bother leaving it in his tank this time. He's only lost 1g in the past 6 weeks but hasn't shed in almost 2 months either. He seems to be drinking plenty of water if that means anything. After serious consideration I've decided to try a live feeder next week. That'll be 8 weeks. If that doesn't jump statt his appetite my only other recourse might be a trip to the vet. Just want to make sure he's well. Sasha Fierce was fierce indeed and slammed down the hopper Caesar refused. She's growing well. Best wishes everyone.

[sharthun]

Ok, its 7 weeks and counting since Caesar last ate. I offered again tonight and he just wasnt interested. He just sniffed it and slid away. I didnt bother leaving it in his tank this time. He's only lost 1g in the past 6 weeks but hasn't shed in almost 2 months either. He seems to be drinking plenty of water if that means anything. After serious consideration I've decided to try a live feeder next week. That'll be 8 weeks. If that doesn't jump statt his appetite my only other recourse might be a trip to the vet. Just want to make sure he's well. Sasha Fierce was fierce indeed and slammed down the hopper Caesar refused. She's growing well. Best wishes everyone.

Hang in there Ziggy! Good to hear Sasha is doing well.

[drumcrush]

Dang 7 weeks? Time flys! Hope you can get him to get back on track soon:)

[Terranaut]

If your snake isn't losinh weight you have nothing to worry about. Your snake will not shed while fasting in most cases. No growth = no shed... again in most cases.? Your snake is gonna be just fine.