Re: L. leonis youngster is not eating
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dakski
I agree with Craig here.
Also, he needs a heatsource.
Even a small UTH for now regulated by thermostat to about 86F (craig - does that sound correct for a kingsnake? Anyone else?).
70F at night is fine as long as he has a warm spot to digest. I would be worried about regurge without a heat source. Most colubrids like a warm spot to digest, but will often spend time on the cool side (however most people keep the cool side 72-78F). What's important is that he can digest properly and there is a range of temps so he can choose. My corn snakes are 84-86F hot side and 75-78F cool side depending on the time of year. Room temp would be fine for a cool side if it didn't get below 70F or so.
Also, are you offering F/T prey on tongs and proper size prey?
Show him or put it near him if you can see him and then leave it. He will find it. You can also leave it and him alone and he will probably find and eat.
I would adjust temps though.
Be cognizant that he is not a crestie by any stretch. Read up on kingsnakes and what they need and provide that. Never make an assumption about one animal because of another. Different species can have very different requirements.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Agree on temp.
I do suspect this particular snake prefers to be warmer than my other kings.
Will work this out.
Yes, F/T on thongs, the smallest size pinkies.
He ate those (although inconsistently) so I don’t think the size is the problem.
His nervousness is, I think.
Will def try just leaving a pinkie close by!
Thank you!
Re: L. leonis youngster is not eating
Quote:
Originally Posted by
shelpen
Agree on temp.
I do suspect this particular snake prefers to be warmer than my other kings.
Will work this out.
Yes, F/T on thongs, the smallest size pinkies.
He ate those (although inconsistently) so I don’t think the size is the problem.
His nervousness is, I think.
Will def try just leaving a pinkie close by!
Thank you!
Often times when the animal is that small they won't accept food from tongs. I think your best bet is to just use the tongs to alert the snake food is nearby. Then reheat the prey and leave it close to the snake without getting too close and spooking him. He'll know it's there cause you alerted him. Then his hunting instincts will take over and he'll find the prey.
I would just leave it and walk away too. Don't stand around to watch, just let him do his thing.
