Can i put another snake..

[arampapik]

I have another newbie question.

Can i add another california king with king?

If i was the snake, i'de probably want a friend or something.

So would it be okay to add another snake who is about the same size as my girl?
Or is this done only when they're going to mate?

[peterm15]

its not the greatest idea.. doubble the vet bills, doubble meds, doubble everything.. that and snakes are solitare..

[chameo_liz]

Kingsnakes are known for eating other snakes so definately not a good idea

Kris

[arampapik]

I knew that.
So if king snakes eat eachother, how the hell do they mate?

[peterm15]

it CAN happen.. doesnt mean they eat eachother all the time... and canibalistic traits will be put in second place behind mating..

Prymantises are canibals but they still mate..

[Tim_Cranwill]

Hormones take over. Sometimes feeding isn't their first thought for a change. :p

I just might pass up a nice, juicy, rare steak if the chance to breed comes up too! :D

[Jeff_Favelle]

So if king snakes eat eachother, how the hell do they mate?

They mate in the early spring when males are totally off of food, and when females are JUST becoming receptive and off of food.

[arampapik]

So in conclusion, it is a BAD idea to put two king snakes together.
Because they will eat eachother.

How about when they are both babies. And they grow up as friends, is that possible?

Another question came into mind. Can snakes mate with their brothers or sisters? Is it normal?

I appreciate all the quick responses guys.

[arampapik]

Originally posted by Jeff_Favelle
They mate in the early spring when males are totally off of food, and when females are JUST becoming receptive and off of food.

So every early spring, snakes dont eat food? Or is it only from a certain age.

[Tim_Cranwill]

- When they are young is one of the riskiest times to house two together.

- Males often will go off of food in the spring. Sometimes they don't though. It even happens to people with only one snake. They tend to know what time of year it is.

- Snake will mate with siblings just as quickly as they would with an unrelated mate. It is normal to do this in the wild and in captivity. They would never "recognize" their brother or sister. To them, a hole is a hole, is a hole. :D

[Andy_G]

Kingsnakes don't make friends, they make meals. :)

[Jeff_Favelle]

If you want two animals that have the mental capacity to become "friends", get a dog or have kids.

Snakes don't have a "friend" mechanism.

[arampapik]

LoL Jeff,
thanks.

Sorry if i sound like an idiot with my questions, but just trying to do my research on my animals, so i'll take good care of them.