My black kingsnake never come out

creed0513 · 06-14-13, 04:05 PM

I got Black Kingsnake 3 weeks ago, i understood he needs time to get used to new place at first. However, it's been three weeks, and still he hides under aspen bedding and never come out when i am around. I can see him out when right get back home, but he hide back asap as i am near him. He is about 8 months old and about 18 inch length. I do handling him twice or three times a week, and he seems never gonna get used to my hands. Every time I try to give him handling, he shakes his tail, poops and makes bad scent. What should i do to make him more friendly?

slowhite03 · 06-14-13, 04:19 PM

my mbk was the same way. what i did was get a hook, every time you pick him up use that. he will musk for a bit but if it was like mine after awhile he will realize the hook means no harm. my mbk also burrows mostly all day and only comes out at night. that's how they operate, they like the darkness

Ourobouros · 06-14-13, 04:42 PM

I let my MBK just poop on me. I hold her until she calms down and after a week she's much more relaxed around me. =D

Amadeus · 06-14-13, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creed0513

I got Black Kingsnake 3 weeks ago, i understood he needs time to get used to new place at first. However, it's been three weeks, and still he hides under aspen bedding and never come out when i am around. I can see him out when right get back home, but he hide back asap as i am near him. He is about 8 months old and about 18 inch length. I do handling him twice or three times a week, and he seems never gonna get used to my hands. Every time I try to give him handling, he shakes his tail, poops and makes bad scent. What should i do to make him more friendly?

He just needs to get more accustomed to having you around. Time and patience will help this.

Or he could be stressed, in which case give him more hiding spots or make sure that 3 out the four sides of the enclosure is covered.

sweatshirt · 06-14-13, 05:10 PM

Some snakes like to hide. Some are more active. It depends on the species and the snake's personality. Just give him some time and try to make him more comfy I guess.

Concept9 · 06-17-13, 07:54 AM

Having him out 2-3 times a week for 15mis or so is fine. One thing you do NOT want to do is take him out of his enclosure when he is out. If you do, he/she will think that any time they are out they will get handled and not come out when someone is around.

Kings love to burrow, mine are always under the aspen, They come out for a few hours from about 2pm to 9pm.

As has been said above. Make sure 3 sides of the enclosure are covered and give him lots of places to hide to feel secure.

I have two hides for mine. I also have large logs and lots of vines/plants for them to hide behind while they are out.

They never LIKE to be handled but with time and proper care will get used to being handled and settle down.

bcr226 · 06-17-13, 08:26 AM

Our MBK used to hide all the time, she's grown quite a bit and no longer hides. She's been a bit nippy lately due to spring feeding push but she's settling down now. Ours never musked or bit until this spring. We hook trained her and she's been an awesome snake. Like others have said, give it some time and it'll come around for you.