New 50/50 King

[Fishandsnakelov]

I just bought a King this past Friday (June 4). It has all it's basic needs- water, substrate, heat (85 F), hide, branch for climbing. How are Kings when it comes to handling stress? Should I wait awhile before attempting to feed it? if so... How long a time period?

I should also add that it was transported roughly 300 miles by car a 7 hr trip.

Thanks for any and all replies.

[Drew S]

I would wait at least a week before trying to feed it. Try not to handle it during this time, and only go into the enclosure if necessary (cleaning etc.). Basically, just forget about it for a week, and then try feeding after the snake has settled in. Some people also don't handle new snakes until they have eaten 3 meals, which is good adivce I'd say.

[RaVeNo888o]

might even wait 2 weeks even, considering the trip.. how old is it?

[Fishandsnakelov]

Have no idea of the age sorry, but it's about 12 " long and as thick as nickel is round.

[marisa]

Just set it up, let it relax a week then at night offer a warm FT pinky in front of the hide its in. It will most likely eat then. If not then you can wait a few more days and try again with FT, then try live pinkies. It will most likely take FT though.

Marisa

[Simon Sansom]

Go ahead and try feeding it. Young 50-50 Cal-Kings are real chowhounds and usually aren't really bothered by shipping/transportation at all, if it's done properly. Cal-Kings ain't delicate, lol!

As to handling, go ahead, but wait 'til a couple of days after feedings.

Enjoy your new snake!

Cheers!

Simo R. Sansom

[jwsporty]

Have no idea of the age sorry, but it's about 12 " long and as thick as nickel is round.


Do you have any pics?

Anyone else think this is strange? The diameter doesn't sound right for the length of the snake.

And go with Simon. Calis are tough as nails and opportunistic feeders.

Congrats on your new addition..enjoy

I have plenty of Calis and they are all great handlers

Cheers
Jim

[Simon Sansom]

Hi Jim,
You're right - Cal-Kings seem to have cultivated a really bad reputation for biting and "aggression", which I think is undeserved. I've bred and raised a few of 'em over the years, and I've honestly never seen what I would consider to be a particularly aggressive specimen...
Yes, they have a heavy-duty feeding response, and I think that's where people may get the idea that they're "snappy".

Great snakes.

Simon R. Sansom

[anacondaman]

i agree with simon...cal kings are very gentle snakes but when its feeding time the quickness and aggressivness really show. Just feed the thing... i have yet to see a california king refuse a meal

my 2 cents
adam