I am trying to learn how to care for a scarlet king snake

[Dillonps]

Hello everyone this is my first post so I ask for a bit of patience in respect for my ignorance. First off I hate snakes... good start right! As I was gardening today I found a scarlet king snake that scared the stuff out of me. So to overcome my ignorant fear I captured it put it in a small aquarium. Layered it with Pete moss made it a cave and added a few climbing branches. Other than needing a larger space for it I was wondering if you could help me figure out how old it is. I obviously touched it as little as possible but I would say it is maybe a foot long. I googled it and that seems to be a bit older snake. I also read the older ones can eat a mouse.... but I do not see how that tiny head could eat something that large. I was thinking that I could feed it bugs or something... I will release it right now if I cannot care for it. I love all creation and want it to be happy and a part of my family. So again I know nothing about snakes and google seems to vague for my questions. So brass tax questions how to I make sure it is happy and healthy. I mostly live off grid so I would like to beable to catch its food on my property. Also how do you sex a snake? Thank you for your time. Despite my fear of the creepy bastards I am very excited to have him or her with me.

[craigafrechette]

Based on the info at hand, please release the snake.

[Dillonps]

What have I done wrong? She has a home bed climbing sticks water. I'm just concerned about feeding. I will release if she is not happy

[Dillonps]

What have I don't wrong she has a home bed climbing water. I'm now making a lizard trap. I will release her if I need to but I held her for the first time and it was intense but I enjoy her and want to keep her happy and healthy

[pet_snake_78]

It would have been better to capture a rodent eating species. I don't know much about native US snakes, but I believe this species may need to be started on lizards. You can catch or buy small skinks and anoles to feed it, but it would be a more rewarding experience to buy a captive born snake that is already trained to eat frozen thawed rodents. It will be a lot less stress for you and less expensive, too. Just my advice.

[craigafrechette]

What have I don't wrong she has a home bed climbing water. I'm now making a lizard trap. I will release her if I need to but I held her for the first time and it was intense but I enjoy her and want to keep her happy and healthy

As somebody with next to no knowledge of snake keeping, you're better off researching an animal first. Then, if and when you decide you're ready for a 20+ year commitment buy a captive bred snake from a breeder.

Wild caught animals are often riddled with parasites. If you're trying to trap food, you're welcoming more parasites to the party.

Do some research and if You want a snake at some point buy one. You don't have the experience for this animal to thrive in your care, and considering it's a wold caught animal you're already starting off on the wrong foot.

Until you know how to PROPERLY care for the animal it's unfair for you to keep it.
Please release the snake.

[Andy_G]

As somebody with next to no knowledge of snake keeping, you're better off researching an animal first. Then, if and when you decide you're ready for a 20+ year commitment buy a captive bred snake from a breeder.

Wild caught animals are often riddled with parasites. If you're trying to trap food, you're welcoming more parasites to the party.

Do some research and if You want a snake at some point buy one. You don't have the experience for this animal to thrive in your care, and considering it's a wold caught animal you're already starting off on the wrong foot.

Until you know how to PROPERLY care for the animal it's unfair for you to keep it.
Please release the snake.

I fully agree with all of this.

[Jim Smith]

One additional thought for your consideration.. Depending on which state you live in, there are often restrictions on capturing and keeping native species. For example, the law in Florida is as follows:

Legal Status: Common throughout Florida, and under no protection. It is illegal to harm, capture, or remove from the wild. Other Names: Scarletsnake, milksnake, and commonly misidentified for the venomous coral snake.

The fines can be rather expensive if you are caught keeping this species in Florida or Georgia, and the Fish and Game departments have been know to follow leads they find on websites or social media. It would be wise of you to check your state and abide by the laws Just something else to consider...

[craigafrechette]

One additional thought for your consideration.. Depending on which state you live in, there are often restrictions on capturing and keeping native species. For example, the law in Florida is as follows:

Legal Status: Common throughout Florida, and under no protection. It is illegal to harm, capture, or remove from the wild. Other Names: Scarletsnake, milksnake, and commonly misidentified for the venomous coral snake.

The fines can be rather expensive if you are caught keeping this species in Florida or Georgia, and the Fish and Game departments have been know to follow leads they find on websites or social media. It would be wise of you to check your state and abide by the laws Just something else to consider...

Another very good point.