Interested in Kenyans......

Beardonicus · 09-11-03, 03:40 PM

I am considering obtaining a pair or 2 of some KSBs in the near future (I really like the anerytheristics & normals) and I just wanted to hear some feed-back from those who have experience with the species firsthand. Any drawbacks? Pros/Cons? Any references or tips would also be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

NewLineReptile · 09-11-03, 03:56 PM

Invictus would probably be a good person to talk to he know's his stuff with them i also got a pair but would not be able to help you like he could

Good luck'
Brandon

Invictus · 09-11-03, 10:15 PM

Thanks for the compliment Brandon.

RedDragon and I have 4 Kenyans, and they are among our favorite species to keep. You'll never in a million years find a species that is more docile than KSBs. They are super easy to keep too - 20 gal for a female, 15 gal for a male, no humidity, only a small water dish. If you're looking to breed, you have the added advantage of live birth. We put all of ours in finely shredded aspen, and the kenyans do quite well in it. Some here use newspaper, but I personally wouldn't. I think they like to feel some weight on top of them.

Cons? Hmmm... some can be picky feeders. They are an ambush predator, and there is a risk of them digesting substrate if you feed them in their enclosure. However, we have thus far had huge success with fresh killed prey using the old feed bucket in a dark closet method. Other than that, I can't think of anything bad to say about Kenyans. I recommend them to anyone and everyone.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to post 'em. There are lots of KSB keepers here, not just Dragon and I.

Katt · 09-15-03, 05:25 PM

I think KSB are easier to keep than corns.

I think peat moss is a good substrate to keep and even feed on, but others may disagree.

They're good feeders on live, but once started do well on f/t. However, they'll go off and on their food, but they are none the worse for wear.

Kyle Walkinshaw · 09-15-03, 05:31 PM

I have a yearling pair aswell and completly agree with Invictus that they are a great species to keep, quite unique from any other snake that I own or have worked with. I keep mine in 11.4L rubbermaids and they do awsome in those. Shed 100% full strips EVERY time, never miss a meal (fresh killed fuzzies), and very tame, ive never had either of mine even strike at me. For substrate I use a fairly thick layer of BETACHIP of about 5 inches or so. The rubbermaid is heated with just about half the length of the containers on Hagen heatpads and for water I just stray the inside of the lid and all the water drips to the sides and the snakes come up and drink off the walls. Cons would be that they usually will not take f/t mice and personally I won't feed live so if you don't like the fresh killed method you'll have some troubles getting them to eat. Though I have got young kenyans to eat f/t before. Another negative is that if you give them a deep substrate they will use it and go straight to the bottom and you won't see them very often.

Cheers, Kyle~

BoidKeeper · 09-15-03, 05:37 PM

I got one pair in early spring and I've got another pair on order. I love em!
Cheers,
Trevor

skin78 · 09-16-03, 02:16 PM

I've got 4 of them 3 males and 1 female. I breed with them allmost every year The breed like mice lol. I don't have to do anything to introduce breeding. They eat like hell and my female is huge. She is eating small rats chickens ( only as a snack) and small hamsters also adult mice are eaten..
I only can say to you go buy them1!!!! They are coo snakes to keep.