Hi. I understand that this is a garter snake site, but I was advised to ask my question here, given that there might be people familiar with the storeria genus (storeria occipitomaculata). There is not alot of information dedicated to that snake. Here is what I seek advice on:

My son found this snake, a northern redbelly about 3 months ago in the Chicago area and we decided to try to keep him. Things seem to have gone well so far. The snake is very active, very calm and very friendly toward being held. Since the beginning we have fed him several earthworms, about once a week (tried slugs at first but he did not take). He has eaten probably 4 to 5 times since we started, after not eating anything for the first couple weeks. However, recently he stopped eating, and hasn't for about the past three weeks (last feed was late Oct. / early Nov.). We have tried cutting the worms into smaller pieces but that did not work. We have left him alone for a few days at a time between attempts. After eating well for a while, he has just stopped. At first he seemed interested in the worms but was not "going for it" and in one attempt he actually struck at the worm, but gave up after not getting a good hold. Now he has no interest at all. I posted to another site and spoke with some snake experts and it seems he needs to Brumate...? Does anyone have a different viewpoint and/or any specific experience brumating a small snake such as this? Temperature? Duration? Technique? I have a small wine refrigerator which can go from 45 to 66 degrees F. That would be where I would put him, but I would appreciate any help with this species and/or similar ones such as storeria dekays. Thank you.