CA King Snake Not Eating

Question
I am currently "snake sitting" my brother's 7 year old CA King Snake while he is living out of the country.  I have had the snake for just about 3 1/2 months.  For many year, my brother had been feeding him live mice and rats, but the few months before he moved, he started feeding him frozen to ease the transition to living with me - less of a snake person, but learning more every day.  I am also a 6th grade teacher and have been keeping the snake in the classroom.  The kids love him and he is being very well taken care of.  He has a great disposition and loves to be handled, so this has been a good situation.  That being said, his last feeding was the end of September, about 7 weeks ago.  He has shed once since then, and seems very active and otherwise healthy - still happy to be handled, in and out of the water, trying to escape (he's very sneaky), and generally acting fine.  I was able to feed him frozen mice at least three times before he decided to stop eating.  I have offered food every couple of weeks, but to no avail.  I know that these guys often hibernate and do not eat much during the winter, but I just want to make there is nothing more I should be doing.  I would prefer to not return to feeding him live animals, but will do so if necessary.  I would love your feedback.  Thanks so much!

Answer
Hello Diane,
   They do go through spells of not eating, but mine is eating right along. I would try another 2 or 3 week on the frozen, then try live. If you do have to feed live, also try thawed at the same time. If he is 7, he should be pretty good sized and can go 4 or 5 months without eating, but it is not ideal. Also try feeding at night if you usually feed in the day. Try feeding him with tongs, dangling it just outside his hide. If all other signs are good (and they seem to be), I would not be too worried. It is awesome for teaching children with the snake. I do the same thing at my daughter's school and for Junior Achievement. Thanks!