Female Arizona Mt. King Not Eating Yet

[Ladyhawk]

It's been about three weeks and the female half of my Arizona Mountain King pair still hasn't eaten. I've tried everything from thawed to brained to live, but she shows no interest, as if she's shut down for awhile. I can see no outward signs of illness. Her weight is still within normal parameters. I think. These are, after all, very long, thin snakes. Muscle tone seems good.

The breeder I got her from says that sometimes his snakes will shut down in the middle of summer for awhile. Have any of you experienced this. He only breeds Lampropeltis.

How long do you think I ought to let her go before taking her to see a vet? If she decides to shut down during the winter months, too, I'm afraid she'll lose condition. I certainly don't want to brumate her unless she's in excellent condition.

She's much more nervous than my other snakes, including my tiny Louisiana milk.

This her mate, Elvis. He's the exact opposite: outgoing and curious about everything. Lovely thin black bands that don't widen dorsally. Isn't he a beaut? I hope he can make some nice babies, but his wife has to be healthy.

http://www.goldrush.com/~ladyhawklh/Male01.jpg

[marisa]

Well I only keep two types of kings and niether are Arizona Mountains but let tell you that Mojave, my then two year old california kingsnake stopped eating for two-three months. By then end he was slightly thinner, but you'd be amazed at how little differance there was and how long they can go. I am not saying don't worry at all, but hope this at least makes you feel better.

I know some of the members here will have good advice. Lots of great king keepers here!

Marisa

[Jmail324]

I own a female arizona myself, and I was told by the breeder that they may become "spotty" feeders starting in late summer, early fall and through the cold months. This is not the case with all specimens, but I've been told it can be fairly common. He also said this happens with no ill effects. By no means am I an expert, but I hope this helps a little.

[crimsonking]

Many pyros will "shut down", usually beginning in the fall. At least that is my exp. When my pair first did this, I freaked out because they were still active and I thought for sure they would begin to lose weight. They did not however. My female still quits eating before my males every year. Thay usually folow suit within weeks. Are you planning to breed this animal? If so, you may want to gradually begin your cool down/ brumation to coincide with her cycle of feeding. If not, just keep a watchful eye on her and feed well when she does eat. It may help to know when her last meal was taken and keep a log of her feeding from now on to help you work out a pattern. Keep us posted.
:Mark