Dot-dash Kings

[Lioness]

does anyone know anything about dot-dash kingsnakes..??
any sellers?
i will need one..a small one male or female doesnt matter..probably by Feb. any help would be appreciated. thanks!

[gonesnakee]

They are pretty much an abberrant striped Cal King. I'll probably have some available in the summer after spring breedings, Mark

[Lioness]

really that would be perfect timing! how much?
it should look like this..and be preferably under 5' as adult
http://www.geocities.com/kingbones7/dotdash.jpg
thanks!

[gonesnakee]

Can't put a price on something that doesn't exist yet, but they usually go from anywhere between $50-$100 depending on how many there are & how cool they look. As per anything the cooler they look the more they usually cost. They are just a pattern mutation of the basic California Kingsnake, so if you are looking to research check out CKs. You also have to factor in things such as shipping costs etc. based on your location (unlisted). Its always best to find a local breeder when possible to save on shipping. I'd suggest running a wanted ad in early summer to see who has what hatching & try to line one up from the feedback recv. at that point. Mark
P.S. I'm talking CDN funds & the one you pictured would be towards $100 ;)

[Lioness]

thanks for all the info!!the thing is.. i live in south florida and i've been searching for a decent seller/breeder for a while now..but they're either ridiculously priced..or dont have that variation of kingsnake. i've heard from a few people to check out the local shows..so im going to go to one in mid jan. but the thing is..i'd rather buy from a private breeder that i have good communication with..so i can be sure that i am getting a quality animal. and so if i run into any problems i can always talk to them and figure something out. either way..my limit was $50 on the snake..but i guess i might have to go up a bit for quality..although i cant spend $100 on a snake..i would be willing to go up to $75. would you be selling any in this price range?(btw..if you havent already noticed..this is my first herp..so that is why im kind of lost as of where to find it, prices, and such.)thanks! ;-)

[gonesnakee]

Shows are a good source & most vendors probably are private breeders. You should be able to find one for $50-$75 USD quite easily depending on the vendors. Keep reseaching California Kingsnakes & I'm sure you will find a specimen that suits you eventually Good Luck Mark

[Lioness]

i was talkin to a few people and they said that i should get a corn cus its my first snake...do u think this is true? is there really a MAJOR difference between the two?

[marisa]

Well kings have a wicked feeding response. Corns do too but in my opinion a kingsnakes feeding response can sometimes be a little more than people expect.

Also as babies both species can be nippy and flighty. But I find corns calm down many times faster than kings. I have had baby corns calmed down in two handling sessions where as some of my kings have taken a year to stop craping on me.

But this is not for every snake. I have a kingsnake who is a total baby, as do many other people. I also have a female corn who is still a real brat at almost five years old.

If you are aware of each species general attitudes and behaviour, a corn or kingsnake would be a good first choice in my opinion. Just be aware that any snake can be a individual and if you are prepared for a little nipping and some time to get it "friendly" then either is a good choice! :D

Marisa

[Lioness]

thanks alot marisa! that is very helpful..
the thing is i really want a dot-dash king cus i love the way they look and they dont get too big..and as for corns i like they're coloring..but sometimes they get brighter than i'd like. either way..i expect a couple bites from any animal..whether it is a snake or a kitten. but do u think its harder to feed kings..or do they generally have good appetites? and i know they skunk sometimes..but is it THAT bad?? if i do all my reaserch and handle it, feed it, and take care of it correctly...do u think i will be alright?

[Will]

Cal kings make a fine first snake, taking into account all that has been said here. Do your research, and you'll be fine getting either a King or Corn.

Musking isn't bad at all, just wash up afterwards(which you should be doing anyways).

And yes, they genarally have FANTASTIC appetites...

[Lioness]

lol..well..will u definitely seem like a fan. and ur right..imma do my reasearch and stuff..i'll be sure to let u guys know which one i choose.. thanks again!!!!!!

[gonesnakee]

As stated both Corns & CKs make great starter snakes. The CKs are apt to be more nervous (thus the musking) & slightly more aggressive (great feeding response though), than Corns. Most will choose a Corn over a CK because of the musking. If you are willing to deal with that theres no big difference really. Same relative size & care. My first snake was a CK & I think they have a lot more personality than a simple Corn myself, but thats all a matter of opinion. If a Dot Dash CK is what you like I would go for it myself, Cheers Mark

[Lioness]

yea..id rather wait until im ready for a Ck than settle for a corn and be unhappy and bored..and i dont mind the musking and nipping from time to time..im sure it will happen if i wait or not..so its enevitable..thanks for all of your help..i really appreciate it all. i also appreciate how kind and helpful you have all been to a n00b like me..lol..thanks again..will talk soon!