to brumate them, you need to not feed them at all for 2 weeks. then set up a clean cage with a water dish. most people cool them down slowly...dropping temps over a week or so. then you put the snake and cage in a dark cool place..garage, basement, or cool spot....temps need to generally in the low 50's to upper 40's. if its in the 60's, they won't brumate...they are very cold tolerant, I have found garters out and about with temps in the 60's. leave the snake down for 3-4 weeks. check on him or her weekly for weight loss and condensation in the cage. clean the cage and dry it out if there is condensation...can cause skin problems. after the 4 weeks, start warming them up over a week or so. give him a couple days to a week before he starts eating. the cool down should stimulate the feeding.