It is not really breeding season for kings. Most breed in the springtime. Some go 'off feed' this time of year because they can tell winter is here. Natural instinct that is all.

How are you heating? Sometimes heating elements get screwed up. When we think nothing has changes, sometimes they do and we don't realize it. Just a thought.

Kings love to 'test' their enclosures. Maybe you just were not noticing it before?

Is the 'pushing' causing injury to the snake?