A couple of MBK questions

[Jon0807]

I will be getting a MBK within the next few weeks and I'm still trying to gather some info. I have a couple of feeding questions that I have not found answers to.

First, is there a specific time I should be feeding ie day vs night? I know they are nocturnal so would it be a good idea to feed during the night? Or does it matter? Also, should I be feeding the same exact time every time?

Second, can they stay on mice or should I move to rats as soon as I can?

Third, I always hear that you should handle your snakes often. But how often is considered "often"? Does that mean a few times a day? Or once a day? Couple times a week? Etc.

That's all that I can think of for now but I'm sure I'll have more later. Thanks in advance!

[DJC Reptiles]

You can feed either day or night, but it depends on your snake. Some snakes feed only during the day, and some only during the night. Feeding at the exact same time, every week is not necessary, try to feed within the same day every week. You won't have to move to rats with a Mexican black king snake, you can keep him/her on mice their entire life. Handle your snake five times or less a week, the more you handle your snake, the more they will tolerate it. There should be a 24-48 hour no handle period after feeding.

[EL Ziggy]

I usually feed my snakes at night when they're most active but I have fed them during the day as well. I don't feed on a specific day of the week but I do tend to feed on the weekends when I have more free time.

MBKs can stay on mice their entire lives. Most won't ever need to eat anything larger than a jumbo mouse or small mouse.

I handle my snakes 1-2 times a week on average for about 10 minutes at a time. Sometimes they don't get handled for weeks except for cage maintenance and they're all still pretty tame. I know other keepers handle their snakes more often without issues but I get more enjoyment from watching my snakes than handling them.

Best wishes with your MBK. They're gorgeous animals! Make sure to post pics when you get it.

[DJC Reptiles]

Originally Posted by EL Ziggy

MBKs can stay on mice their entire lives. Most won't ever need to eat anything larger than a jumbo rat or small mouse.

I am pretty sure you meant to say jumbo mice. I don't think there is a MBK that can down a jumbo rat.

[EL Ziggy]

Originally Posted by DJC Reptiles

I am pretty sure you meant to say jumbo mice. I don't think there is a MBK that can down a jumbo rat.

No doubt.

[Jon0807]

Thanks for the info guys!