Does it hurt to get bitten by a californian kings snake

[TRD]

It's not too bad, cali kings are usually not at all bitey though as already said. They are pretty easy going and very curious.. just don't feed a 1.5 meter one with your bare hands

First bite, if ever, will be more shock than pain. But yes they do have teeth, small, but sharp. Their bite is nowhere near what a normal house cat or small dog can do if that gives you any point of reference.

[jjhill001]

Originally Posted by TRD

It's not too bad, cali kings are usually not at all bitey though as already said. They are pretty easy going and very curious.. just don't feed a 1.5 meter one with your bare hands

First bite, if ever, will be more shock than pain. But yes they do have teeth, small, but sharp. Their bite is nowhere near what a normal house cat or small dog can do if that gives you any point of reference.

If I had to pick I'd let a kingsnake bite me 1000 times over being bitten by a cat or dog once.

[Andy_G]

Originally Posted by jjhill001

If I had to pick I'd let a kingsnake bite me 1000 times over being bitten by a cat or dog once.

I agree with this!

I've also noticed the complete opposite that TRD has. Most of the Lampropeltis getula animals I have had have a very strong feeding response and will bite/chew due to that...california and florida kingsnakes especially. Every snake is an individual, though. I'm sure you'll enjoy your new snake!

[TRD]

Originally Posted by Andy_G

I agree with this!

I've also noticed the complete opposite that TRD has. Most of the Lampropeltis getula animals I have had have a very strong feeding response and will bite/chew due to that...california and florida kingsnakes especially. Every snake is an individual, though. I'm sure you'll enjoy your new snake!

Feeding response yes... They'll go for anything that is in front of them. One of mines even started to eat a leaf from one of the succulents thinking it's the mouse and fiercely defending it (slapping my hand with his tail) while I try to pry the leaf out of his mouth.

Hence, never feed with bare hands, one day you're going to find yourself prying a snake off your finger because if they bite and hold you, you won't be able to pull your hand out without doing damage to your animal...

So OP, if you get bitten and the snake holds his jaws shut, don't freak out and pull your arm back. Just let it bite. It's not venomous, you're not going to die or lose a limp.

[Andy_G]

Originally Posted by TRD

Feeding response yes... They'll go for anything that is in front of them. One of mines even started to eat a leaf from one of the succulents thinking it's the mouse and fiercely defending it (slapping my hand with his tail) while I try to pry the leaf out of his mouth.

Hence, never feed with bare hands, one day you're going to find yourself prying a snake off your finger because if they bite and hold you, you won't be able to pull your hand out without doing damage to your animal...

So OP, if you get bitten and the snake holds his jaws shut, don't freak out and pull your arm back. Just let it bite. It's not venomous, you're not going to die or lose a limp.

These bites that I speak of were without food anywhere in the equation and would sometimes occur sporadically in the middle of an otherwise peaceful handling session, when removing or replacing them from/back into their enclosure, but I do agree.