My new king, Pretzel

[Kettennatter]

Originally Posted by Kingsnakechris

Yeah, he started on mice but he will not under any circumstances eat F/T or fresh killed...he only eats live period. Well, he was starting to "pop" the mice when he constricted them so I figured (on top of hue big he was getting) it may be time to take the prey item up a few sizes. He loves the rats, he gets very exited when he's about to get it, I love it when he gets perfectly lined up and holds absolutely still and gives that stare right before the strike... Very cool to see him in feeding mode. I'd prefer F/T (less risk) but he won't touch em.

The breeder fed my yumensis live mice, and it took me forever to turn him on f/t. At one point he constricted my lower arm, looking for a place to strike. Once he was that hungry I used tongs to animate a warmed f/t, and he finally took it. Even since then he is the easiest snake to feed. My greeri fell more easily for the same trick.

F/t is not only less risk, it's so much more convenient and cheaper, at least from my point of view.

[Kingsnakechris]

Originally Posted by Kettennatter

F/t is not only less risk, it's so much more convenient and cheaper, at least from my point of view.

agreed. My female will take fresh killed but even with tongs she won't touch F/t. I would rather go F/t but neither of them ate for a few months. Ohhh well tho, sometimes you just can't get a comprise from your snakes lol

[Tango]

I'm so glad my snakes all take f/t. I used to keep white mice as pets until they died off, and I dont know if I could do it. I know it's the circle of life, but ugh!!!

[Tango]

Originally Posted by Kettennatter

As long as Pretzel eats mice, he should be good to go at this stage.

Thanks. Yeah, I always have adult mice on hand for my ball python so I figured I'd try that. It will be nice to have two snakes that take the same size.

[Kingsnakechris]

Originally Posted by Tango

I'm so glad my snakes all take f/t. I used to keep white mice as pets until they died off, and I dont know if I could do it. I know it's the circle of life, but ugh!!!

Be very thankful for that lol, and your right, it is the circle of life but it's safer to feed F/t and eliminate the risk of bite wounds and what not. Apparently it's cheaper too lol

[Blaze Mcsmith]

congrats -im not lucky enough to find something like that
every time i go to a shelter they never have snakes maybe a lizard or two but their usually spoken for anyways.

[Kingsnakechris]

Originally Posted by Blaze Mcsmith

congrats -im not lucky enough to find something like that
every time i go to a shelter they never have snakes maybe a lizard or two but their usually spoken for anyways.

Use google to search the different shelters in your zip code and call a few of them (if you haven't already) sometimes you gotta drive a little bit but it's totally worth it when you adopt a snake in need of rescue

[Blaze Mcsmith]

I'l give it a try thanks.
hey do you have any mountain kings?

[Kingsnakechris]

I dont, im looking to get some but live in az and its illegal to own az mountain kings so those are out.

[Jlassiter]

Originally Posted by Kingsnakechris

I dont, im looking to get some but live in az and its illegal to own az mountain kings so those are out.

Then get California Mt. Kings....L. zonata

[Tango]

Originally Posted by Kingsnakechris

Use google to search the different shelters in your zip code and call a few of them (if you haven't already) sometimes you gotta drive a little bit but it's totally worth it when you adopt a snake in need of rescue

Also Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder.

Search terms "scales, fins and other".

[Kingsnakechris]

Originally Posted by Jlassiter

Then get California Mt. Kings....L. zonata

Yeah, I'm getting a few different animals soon, a few more paydays and ill start building my list of reptiles lol

[Tango]

Originally Posted by Jlassiter

No....mice all the time is fine.

Choices are humidity and temperature gradients, many places to hide (Deep Aspen).

Never force it to be at one temp or one humidity level.....
Provide him choices and he will choose where to be when he needs to....

Well, after realizing my setup from care sheets I read was wrong, I took your advice. I put Pretzel in another container and redecorated his whole enclosure. One end has very deep aspen and I tapered off the aspen on the other end where his water bowl is.

After he was returned to his enclosure, I tossed in a F/T adult mouse, which he ate for the first time in front of me rather than dragging it into his hide to eat. Then he borrowed into his substrate and went all over the enclosure - in and out of the aspen. He finally settled in a new favorite spot, never to be seen again.

I'm super, super, super appreciative for the enclosure advice, Jlassiter. He is obviously a happier snake now. And, I have that pic I took to remember what he looks like.

[jaleely]

he's cute! good job on getting him!
and i so prefer bites to musking most of the time lol

try to feed him the biggest food it looks like he can eat, and you will be golden. i love his name, too!

[Blaze Mcsmith]

Originally Posted by Kingsnakechris

I dont, im looking to get some but live in az and its illegal to own az mountain kings so those are out.

that sucks! i find more adds for az mountains though.