My California King snake keeps biting itself and wont let go for hours. SOMEONE HELP!?

Question

My California King snake keeps biting itself and wont let go for hours. SOMEONE HELP!?

Answer 1

Sounds like he has an issue. I would guess boredom? Or something else that he is needing is not being fulfilled. Perhaps he is needing live prey? Or a change of what rocks etc that he has in his tank?

I am not sure, that is a very odd thing for a snake to do. Alas I am not a snake expert, so I fear I am not a very big help.

Answer 2

well if that keeps on doing that and it bleeds be papered to make its funeral

Answer 3

Does this happen after feeding ???

this could be he has the secant of the mouse still on him and mistake's it as pray.

If this is not the case i would get him seen to as he could be causing him self damage.

May i ask the size of the tank and how much room he has to move in as this may also be a main factor.

Do not try to pull him off his self tho if this happens again ask you will just make it worse and if he releases he may strike dependent on the problem.

Answer 4

Sounds like he's in pain. I'd have to say, take him to the vet--even if it isn't a reaction to internal injuries of some sort, he'll just injure himself worse if he continues biting himself.

Answer 5

Be sure that it's eating plenty. I have heard of this happening a few times, and a simple cure for it is more frequent feeding times. Example. If you only feed once every two weeks, feed once a week, or so.

Answer 6

This is a tough one.  Is it biting on a particular part of its body, and just hanging on?  Or is it chewing at itself randomly?  Or just pushing with its nose?

I acquired a Cali. King (white, with black bands) who didn't have all its marbles.  After a feeding, it was as like as not, to grab its own tail, and attempt to swallow itself!

I was NOT happy, to reach in, after a feeding, and while the snake was IN 'feed mode,' to disengage its tail from its mouth!  I got struck at, and bit often!

Though the snake was sated, and well fed; it stayed in 'hit anything which moves' mode for hours beyond a feeding, and that included itself!

Thus my conclusion that the snake was detrimental to itself, and a r****d!

Blood work proved that the snake had a mite the eye couldn't detect.  Once treated, it became a 'normal snake.'  lol

But, there is usually a sane answer for insane behavior.

It could be a mite.  Or, it could be that it's in a state of hunger, or has been starved, and doesn't realize its full.

If you can't afford a vet (this would be my first recommendation), then I would suggest two gorge feedings (give it all it can eat, in a single feeding, for two feedings in a row several weeks apart).  Once sated, it should calm down.

Another avenue is 'touch/sensitivity.'  This can indicate internal problems, or again, a mite.

Either way - I would suggest you take the snake to a herp. vet asap.

This is NOT normal behavior for a snake, and is indicative of a problem.  Are you SURE it's not wiping its mouth clean on itself after a feeding?  Or attempting to start a shed?  Does it have anything in the tank, to peel its skin on?  Is it actually opening its mouth, and biting itself, and hanging on?

IF that is the case; seek professional help immediately.  Blood work will be necessary to determine if it's a parasite, or a tumor.

Snakes simply are not 'goth,' or suicidal!  They don't DO "vogue."  What age is this animal?  Babies can die, as organs don't develop, and etc.

I don't have enough detail here, to address your question/concern.

Retiles require vetting.  They are 'hard to read.'  You know there is a problem, and the snake is still alive.  Take it to a vet.

Please post the cause, once you determine it, so others may learn from this.

I, personally, would like to know what the deal is.

I'm sorry I couldn't be more help.

Answer 7

You're snake might be going slightly blind or something. Maybe it has something wrong with it's brain? He/She may think part of it's body is another snake invading it's territory. You might try taking it to a Vet and having it checked out.

Answer 8

put him in a straight jacket!

then he can't bite him self!

Answer 9

suicidal huh