re: californian kingsnake not eating or behaving normal

Question
QUESTION: I have a 4 year old californian kingsnake who has been acting on edge, quite
agresive (he has tried to bite me a few times) not wanting to be handled and
sleeping/being unactive a lot. He shed last week, but hasnt eaten for now 3
weeks.  I recently moved out of my parents house down to cornwall (3 1/2
months ago) and he hasn't been right since then. I understand that a move
can stress reptiles out, but this has been going on for a long time now. The
average temp in the tank is 20 degrees C, but it is a cold house. There is also
a cat (my housemates pet) which I keep away from the tank. Can someone
please help me. My once very chilled out loving snake is completely changed
now, almost like a different snake alltogether.

ANSWER: Hi Hannah,

the most important issue to attend to is the temperature in the tank. your snake will be hiding away being inactive because he is cold. this will most likely be the cause of his innapetance and his uncooperation when being handled.

your temperatures should be around 28-30C (82-84F) in the middle of the tank with a hotspot of up to 35C (95F) at one end. you will probably need a high wattage bulb such as a 60-100W for a 3-4Ft tank or multiple 100's for a larger tank. otherwise you can use a ceramic bulb for larger tanks- this will need to be on a thermostat.

the best way to keep the correct temperatures is to connect your bulb to a thermostat with the heat probe in the middle of the tank. its also a good idea to have a thermometer on the back wall of the tank.

hopefully on correcting the temperatures, after a few weeks your snake should be back to normal. he should resume eating and should hopefully calm down a bit and be more friendly.

I hope this helps,

Andy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Andy,

Thanks for the advice. I am buying lamps like you advised to sort the
temperature out. However, this week, despite it being very cold, my snake
has been a lot more active. He has still not eaten and when I try to touch him
he is very jumpy still. I cannot get my hands in the tank to change the water
and remove poo unless he is resting in his hide. He is still not eating. I have
just watched him excrete and as normal (and how it has been for a few
months now) he has blood in the poo. This cannot be right...is this to do with
the temperature? I forgot to ask about it the last time I wrote.

What do you suggest in terms of handling my snake? should I try to get him
out? or should i wait until the temperature is higher?  I am slightly worried he
might go for me again or freak out.

Thanks for your help.

Hannaha

Answer
Hi again Hannah,

the blood in the feces is not a good sign. it is a likely indication that your snake has some form of either parasitic infection or infection of the colon. this will explain his innapetance and his 'on edge' behaviour.

you will need to take your snake to a vet to determine what is causing the bloody feces and to get the relevant treatment for it.

I hope this helps,

Andy