When I was asking a few people I knew about vets, someone said something similar - that the temps were throwing him off, making him think it was time to lay low and just chill (almost literally) for a while. Someone else also mentioned that he might possibly not like the tongs - maybe he hit it or something while eating and doesn't want to snap at them anymore. They're soft, but I guess if he hit them just right it might not have felt great, so I'll get new tongs.

I'm at the point where I'll spend whatever to get him comfortable. It's stuff I'll be using for 10+ years. I'll definitely get my money's worth. So if there's anything else you can think of, just let me know.