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King Snake: Over-Eating?
I think my Snake is over eating, and I am wondering if I should be regulating his eating more thoroughly or continue feeding him as he pleases.
Some Background Info: he (possibly she) is about 4 1/2 years old. Albino. almost 3 feet long and the diameter of a quarter. Up until recently his behaviour has been friendly and almost sociable. he is in a 30g long tank with a wire lid. he has hiding places on both the warm and cool side of the tank. always fresh water. coconut husk substrate. eats once every 1-2 weeks (depending on how active he is. eating 2-3 hoppers per feeding. until recently, He had only gone to strike at me twice (made contact once) and both times were because his personal space had been invaded. He escaped once on his own about 3 years ago. My cat has attacked him twice, once 2-3 years ago and the other just a few months ago*. The first time left him with some minor scars and this last time he lost the 1/4 inch of his tail and I had to administer anti-biotics via needle. while healing he shed about every 2 weeks and I fed him 2-3 times a week. each "snack" consisted of 2-4 pinkies and then we upgraded to fuzzies in the same amount.
Now: no more open wounds. eating once or twice a week a week (although it seems he would prefer to eat 2-3 times a week). 3 larger hoppers in one sitting but still seems hungry. has bitten me. tried to eat my room mate's finger. very aggressive through the glass.
So as you can see his behaviour has changed greatly and he is always hungry. both of these are out of character. so i guess i have 2 questions:
1) Am I over feeding him? Should I feed him until he stops searching for food?
2) will his behaviour go back to normal?
*yes I realize I need a better set up for his tank, and I feel extremely guilty. this has been a learning experience for me and as an owner I am disappointed in myself for allowing it to happen a second time.
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