help feeding first snake

[AZ King Snake]

i have a arizona king an its my fist feeding ive tryed holding with twisers in front an jus leaving it alone an hes in a sepreate box not his cage jus wondering how long this should take an the best way too do it ive been trying for about 2 21/2 hours

[Skittles1101]

I'm no expert on king snakes, but I'm sure that removing from the enclosure is added unnecessary stress and could potentially be part of the reason he/she won't eat. How long have you had it?

[AZ King Snake]

A week

[Skittles1101]

I'd remove him and the prey from the bin. I'd be sure the husbandry is correct and then wait 4 days or so and attempt to feed again, this time in it's enclosure. If they doesn't work, I'd try live. Is it a baby? What was it eating for the breeder?

[heathkno89]

King snakes are great eaters. How big is it? How big is the mouse ur feeding it? I have an eastern king snake. I hold the mouse by the tail and he jus starts eating it. Maybe it isn't warm enough. Are u thawing it in water? If so make sure u thaw it in the bag so u dnt wash the smell away. Try diping it in chicken broth. Or pop a hole in the head so the snake smells the blood.. sounds nasty but it works.

[AZ King Snake]

it was eatting the same way i got it all from the guy he came from an its just over a year old and about 2 feet he jus seems too want too get out of the box instead of eat the mouse so what your saying an keep him in his cage seems better

[heathkno89]

I keep mine in their tank when I feed them. Also try a live mouse. I knw lots of ppl disagree but I feed all my snakes live mice once they are big enough for hopper

[Daybreaker]

Yes, leave him in his cage. He will probably feel more secure in there. I would also try sticking him in one of his hides and leaving the prey item in front of the entrance or dangle it in front of the entrance. Make sure the item is really warm too, I use a hairdryer to make it nice and toasty.

If you insist on feeding him outside his tub/tank I would put him in a small tupperware container or tub (tiny as in he takes up most of the room in it) and leave a warmed feeder in there with him. Don't put any substrate it there with him and put a towel over him for privacy. Leave him be for a bit to see if he takes it but make sure he can't get out and that he has a couple air holes in the container. He may just be being a shy feeder since you just got him.

Space out your attempts too - try every 5 days to a week and monitor him for weight loss if he doesn't start eating for you in a couple weeks.

Good luck.

[AZ King Snake]

thanks everyone i put him back away an gonna try in a few days an well try your guys methods seems in the cage must be better jus want him too be friendly an most say it make them meaner or more too bite. he seems fine hes very healty an thick so time shouldent matter for the moment its just my first snake an want him too be healthyan happy