Kingsnake advice please...

dcrocker · 09-13-14, 11:31 PM

I'm interested in getting a snake. My son had a corn snake when he was young (he's 21 now) and I helped him care for it. I also had a wild-caught california kingsnake when I was a teen. So, I have a reasonable amount of experience caring for snakes.
From what I've read, a kingsnake isn't any more difficult than a corn. The king I had would musk all the time (never calmed down even with handling) but I'm assuming that a captive-bred one that's handled from when it is small won't do this. Am I right?
Also, we fed the corn pre-killed, which was very convenient and safe for the snake. Is this going to be possible with a kingsnake? I've seen mixed info on live vs. pre-killed.
Are there major differences between the varieties of kings and their temperament, likelihood to eat pre-killed, ease of care, etc.
I'd also be interested in pointers to reputable breeders I can buy from. I bought my son's corn from a breeder in FL (if I remember). Unfortunately, the snake developed a tumor when he was about 6 years old and died. I've always suspected this was a result of a genetic problem that could have been from too much inbreeding. But, who knows...
Anyways, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

BIGT FROM F.B. · 09-14-14, 08:51 AM

IMO, almost any king, rat, corn have the same temperament and have basically the same care requirement. No extreme heat or humidity needed. Never had a problem with any of mine eating at all. They even eat when they are going into shed. The only time they usually musk is when they're young and not used to being handled yet. Just go with the color patterns/morphs that you like and have fun with them. Simple as that.

sharthun · 09-14-14, 09:28 AM

Hey and welcome! Like BIGT said, go with whatever color/morph that you like. The care for most kings are similar. Waiting for Drumcrush to recommend a Mexican Black King Snake!

dcrocker · 09-14-14, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGT FROM F.B.

IMO, almost any king, rat, corn have the same temperament and have basically the same care requirement. No extreme heat or humidity needed. Never had a problem with any of mine eating at all. They even eat when they are going into shed. The only time they usually musk is when they're young and not used to being handled yet. Just go with the color patterns/morphs that you like and have fun with them. Simple as that.

Do you feed your kings pre-killed?

knicrn24 · 09-14-14, 10:33 AM

again, agree with BIGT. we have a gray banded king snake and he is awesome. we feed f/t. i only suggest wherever/whoever you get one from, make sure they have eaten at least twice....i only say this because we were told our king had ate and shed, and we dont think either had happened and it took us 3 months of attempting to feed before he would take. good luck!

dcrocker · 09-14-14, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knicrn24

again, agree with BIGT. we have a gray banded king snake and he is awesome. we feed f/t. i only suggest wherever/whoever you get one from, make sure they have eaten at least twice....i only say this because we were told our king had ate and shed, and we dont think either had happened and it took us 3 months of attempting to feed before he would take. good luck!

Thanks.
Being new to the forum(s), I didn't initially clue into what f/t meant. Now I know

. That's precisely what I want to do too.

So, anyone have any suggestions on where to buy from? I'm ok with non-local. I just want to breeder to be reputable so that I get a healthy snake than won't have any problems like our corn did. I know, there are no guarantees, but it doesn't hurt to buy from someone who has a good reputation.

Obsidian_Dragon · 09-14-14, 11:46 AM

Why wait for Drumcrush? Why, I'm here now, and I can gleefully recommend a Mexican Black King in their stead.

Mine's been a delight--feeds on f/t easily (sometimes refuses when in blue, but that's all), only musked the first ~3 times I picked him up, never offered to bite.

Sadly I don't have any tips on breeders--mine was a local pet store purchase, but hopefully someone else will!

sharthun · 09-14-14, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcrocker

Thanks.
Being new to the forum(s), I didn't initially clue into what f/t meant. Now I know

. That's precisely what I want to do too.

So, anyone have any suggestions on where to buy from? I'm ok with non-local. I just want to breeder to be reputable so that I get a healthy snake than won't have any problems like our corn did. I know, there are no guarantees, but it doesn't hurt to buy from someone who has a good reputation.

I can highly recommend Shane at SSuperiorSSerpents.

http://www.ssuperiorsserpents.com/home.html

Awesome quality snakes and service! He is also a forum member.

sSNAKESs : Reptile Forum - View Profile: ssshane

sharthun · 09-14-14, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obsidian_Dragon

Why wait for Drumcrush? Why, I'm here now, and I can gleefully recommend a Mexican Black King in their stead.

Mine's been a delight--feeds on f/t easily (sometimes refuses when in blue, but that's all), only musked the first ~3 times I picked him up, never offered to bite.

Sadly I don't have any tips on breeders--mine was a local pet store purchase, but hopefully someone else will!

Thanks for taking up the slack for DC! Lol

CosmicOwl · 09-14-14, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcrocker

Thanks.
Being new to the forum(s), I didn't initially clue into what f/t meant. Now I know

. That's precisely what I want to do too.

So, anyone have any suggestions on where to buy from? I'm ok with non-local. I just want to breeder to be reputable so that I get a healthy snake than won't have any problems like our corn did. I know, there are no guarantees, but it doesn't hurt to buy from someone who has a good reputation.

Whoever you buy from, make sure they're willing to answer questions and provide information. If somebody is evasive, or gets defensive when you ask them questions, do not buy from them. Even large scale breeders(if they are reputable) will take the time to talk to you.

BIGT FROM F.B. · 09-14-14, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcrocker

Do you feed your kings pre-killed?

Live, actually. Haven't tried thawed. I get my mice free from helping volunteer at a local reptile store. Go with what you feel is right for you.

**EL Ziggy** · 09-14-14, 02:49 PM

Welcome and best wishes crocker. Kings are great snakes to keep. Some people say they're kind of aggressive or have a bit of attitude but both of mine are really docile. There are lots of beautiful morphs to choose from and they're monster feeders, even though mine will take a food break sometimes. Most captive bred kings will readily take f/t prey. I definitely agree with Steve (sharthun)- Shane at ssuperiorsserpents has some magnificent kings. Good luck and keep us posted on your choice.

drumcrush · 09-15-14, 06:36 AM

Dang it, I'm late lol

Go for a Mexican black king!! MBK! MBK!

You want an MBK. You will see one in your dreams

dcrocker · 09-15-14, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drumcrush

Dang it, I'm late lol

Go for a Mexican black king!! MBK! MBK!

You want an MBK. You will see one in your dreams

OK, I'll bite

.
Why *else* would I want an MBK, other than the fact that they look incredibly cool

.

drumcrush · 09-16-14, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcrocker

OK, I'll bite

.
Why *else* would I want an MBK, other than the fact that they look incredibly cool

.

Temperament. They are really super chill. Like mine is a doll. She will let me pet her head and she just chills there. She doesn't race around a lot, but is still curious. They're also easy to care for. As a baby, they will be flighty just like all other kingsnakes.