Like others, new snake noting eating and getting worried

ChiaRue · 12-09-13, 11:11 PM

Hi, I hope that my worry is over-worry and things will work out fine. I have a Chihuahua Kingsnake, Scientific Name: Lampropeltis pyromelana knoblochi Family: Colubridae Adult Size: Adults reach lengths of approximately 42 inches. Range: Northern Mexico in the Mojarachic region of Chihuahua. Habitat: Forests and mountainous rocky areas We have had him since Dec 4th, and got him from a pet store (not sure if I should name the store or not, or if that is permitted), they told us that he last ate November 23rd, that they didn't want to feed him any sooner before they moved him, as they delivered him. I can post some pics tomorrow of him and his home. We were told by the store that they fed him regularly on Sunday and they feed him a pinky, which has been soaked in warm water for 15-20 minutes. Which is what we have been doing, or trying to do. His home had been set up weeks before his arrival to make sure the temp and humidity levels were what they were supposed to be. He doesn't have a name yet, he had been very curious and active about his new home, especially the first few days, and he shocked the dickens out of us that he shed the second day he was with us. He is young and we want to handle him but we haven't really because we also want him to eat. The shed was almost perfect in tact, except a small section on his tail. We didn't see him do it, but looked in and was shocked to see an almost perfect shed. Everything we read is that snakes are generally eager to eat after a shed, but he hasn't eaten. The last few days he has been hiding. We are very concerned. He is amazing and beautiful and so far what we know of his personality he is amazing. I'll update more tomorrow.

ChiaRue · 12-10-13, 05:54 AM

Its too early to get pictures, but as an after thought, I thought I would say, that getting a snake-adopting another member into our family, that could live for 20 years, wasn't a light choice. It took a year with lots of research before we decided 'yes' and which one. However, as good as reading and research is, its completely different when you have a living beautiful creature and he won't eat.

shaunyboy · 12-10-13, 08:29 AM

i would'nt handle the snake until you get him feeding regular

a lot of snakes will go off food leading up to,during and after their shed cycle

some snakes will go off food during breeding season,when the ambient air temperatures drop

or he could just be settling in and does'nt feel secure yet

i would'nt worry about a few weeks of not eating,as plenty snakes go off their food for months at a time without issues

as long as he is not rapidly losing wieght,then imo there's nothing to worry about

make sure his hot end temps are ok,because a snake will not eat if its too cold,as they need the heat to aid digestion

cheers shaun

kwhitlock · 12-10-13, 09:48 AM

I agree with shaun. He may take a bit to settle in and I wouldnt handle at all for a while. I would wait a few days up to a week to let him settle then offer food. If he refuses not a big deal like shaun said. Just keep on offering once a week or so.