King refusing F/T

[Fishandsnakelov]

My Cali King doesn't seem interested in F/T. Should I attempt live prey? What are your suggestions?

[Oliverian]

I'm having the same problem right now... mabye try leaving him and the food in a container overnight? Worked for my corn. The king gets all defensive when I put a rat in there and will strike, but its not a feeding strike. I'm interested to hear suggestions as well.

Have you tried braining the rodents?

-TammyR

[leoncurrie]

I found "slap feeding" worked well when my king became picky. Just don't be overly persistent... just enough to get him to strike at it. Then instinct takes over.

Leon

[jwsporty]

It could be too that some of the calis are still in breeding mode. My males are still being finicky. Don't sweat it, they will come around. A couple things to try though.

Try feeding in the evening, as they are more active at that time anyhow.
If feeding live try a hopper and then follow up with a F/T Adult mouse or rat pup.

Good luck,, but don't panic, he will come around, they always do.

Cheers
Jim

[vanderkm]

I agree with Jim - could be season of the year, especially if it is a male. Some idea of age and sex of snake might help sort out the problem - but in most instances cal kings are pigs, even if they skip 6 months of feeding it won't set them back and a couple weeks without eating wouldn't be reason enough to switch to live in my opinion. Any chance this guy is coming into a shed - they will also often refuse food when shedding,

mary v.