Reptile expo expansion

[StudentoReptile]

Originally Posted by Kettennatter

It starts with them being agressive feeders. On one hand it makes them very easy to feed, but you never know when (or what) they are trying to feed on next. The startle response of the kings I've held was also rather well developed. Chances of getting musked while holding them should be considered. Then there is just odd behavior. Mine absolutely loves to crap on me, even when roaming free. This is pretty hilarious on one hand, but the snake scares my wife to no end.

From what I've seen, and my experience is limited, some kings may just be too much to handle for a beginner. (I personally love the entertainment factor.) They are easy to keep and very robust, I give you that.

I dunno...the crapping thing, I can pretty much attribute to almost any colubrid: western hogs, corns, kings, milks, garters, etc. Although in my experience, its mostly been with hatchlings or WC specimens. Subadult and adult kings that have been handled a little seem to grow out of it. But thats just me, I suppose.

I don't know about the "startled thing" but the strong feeding/aggression is really something I've only seen with CA kings. All the desert kings, speckled and easterns I've had were some of the calmest colubrids I've owned, although ironically, they get larger than the CA kings.

[Kettennatter]

Originally Posted by StudentoReptile

I dunno...the crapping thing, I can pretty much attribute to almost any colubrid: western hogs, corns, kings, milks, garters, etc. Although in my experience, its mostly been with hatchlings or WC specimens. Subadult and adult kings that have been handled a little seem to grow out of it. But thats just me, I suppose.

I don't know about the "startled thing" but the strong feeding/aggression is really something I've only seen with CA kings. All the desert kings, speckled and easterns I've had were some of the calmest colubrids I've owned, although ironically, they get larger than the CA kings.

I got "my" king as a subadult. (My wife bought it, got scared, and it became mine my default.) None of my three corns crap on me. I guess it also has to do with the fact that king is very active. (It's a Yuma King, by the way.) Anything that will move into his enclosure will get struck, may it be hand, mouse, thermometer or cardboard box. Fortunately he tries to escape, so I simply grab him on his way out when I need to handle him.

I've handled the snake a lot, it was a whole lot of fun, simply because the snake was so active. At the stores the kings seemed rather active, also. I personally like that, but I'm not sure if everbody does.

I might try speckled and eastern, and see what they are like.

I

[Kettennatter]

Originally Posted by Kettennatter

I got "my" king as a subadult. (My wife bought it, got scared, and it became mine my default.) None of my three corns crap on me. I guess it also has to do with the fact that king is very active. (It's a Yuma King, by the way.) Anything that will move into his enclosure will get struck, may it be hand, mouse, thermometer or cardboard box. Fortunately he tries to escape, so I simply grab him on his way out when I need to handle him.

The plot thickens: I found the original breeder. He kept the snake and hoped to find a female for it, but never did. The snake exhibited the same odd antics, but his wife made him give it up. After the Yuma King started swallowing her thumb, her disposition toward the snake changed.

I was wondering why I was able to pick up a subadult slightly uncommon king at a reasonable price.