New snake I got (from Crimsonking)

girraffasaurus · 08-19-02, 07:26 AM

I got a California Kingsnake last weekend at the Daytona expo from crimsonking. I have her set up in a 5 gal. tank on repti bark. She has a hidey hole (one of those hollow half-coconuts), a piece of bark to climb up and a water bottle. My roommate Brian (the one who went to the show with me) was feeding his snakes so he went ahead and got a pinky just incase. I forgot to ask crimsonking if she'd eaten, but there was no visible bulge in her so we decided to try. Unfortunately I had to work so Brian and my boyfriend did it. They put her in the plastic carrying case with the pinky and left her for awhile. She never ate (and hid in the top hanging on the the inside of the lid). What worries me, though, is that my boyfriend said she struck at both of them when they were trying to get her out to feed her. Should I be worried?

girraffasaurus · 08-19-02, 09:18 AM

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I'm doing what Linds said to post my pic (it's in my member gallery) but I don't thik it's working.

SilverTongue · 08-19-02, 09:29 AM

First off Kingsnakes are pains in the butt!!! They are angry lil snakes untill you have them in your hand. So I would not worry about it unless it never stops. Go through the meathods of trying to get it to eat and call crimsonking and find out if it has eaten. If it hasnt then he should have told you. But you dont need to panic though untill it seems like he is loosing a lot of weight. Make sure he has lots of water. I have 3 california kingsnakes I want to sell but 2 of the 3 wont eat. but they are all still fat and happy. If you are still concerned then atleast wait another week if it doesnt eat then take it to the vet or a breeder who can handle this. But I swear LoL I will never buy Kings again LoL

Sorry to all you kingsnake lovers out there, but you are more then willing to buy mine

crimsonking · 08-19-02, 11:22 AM

Kellie, I should have told you (if I didn't , I'm sorry) not to try feeding any hatchling that you just got for 4 or 5 days. Let him/her get used to new set up first. It will settle down as it gets used to you and being handled. Take it easy on handling for a few days too. Remember that you are many times its size and quite intimidating. The snake you got has fed twice since hatching. I certainly would not give you a snake that has not fed for me! Don't try to rush it. I was hoping you'd hang around and get some more info and so I could get a few pics too. Did you get a care sheet from me? If you need any help you can always email me.Thanks, Mark

snakedude_03 · 08-19-02, 11:23 AM

u can try to give it some time? maybe it's stressed?

crimsonking · 08-19-02, 11:43 AM

Also, what you need in the cage is a water DISH or shallow bowl. I'm not sure what you meant by "water bottle".

girraffasaurus · 08-19-02, 05:57 PM

Did I really say water bottle?! I'm sorry, it's cause I have mice, I'm used to saying that! No, she has a regular water bowl. I tried to get back around to you, but we only had an hour and my friend had to buy some stuff, sorry. Yes, I did get a care sheet. I'm not really worried about her eating, I figured she might not right away. I was just a little worried about her trying ti strike at my boyfriend. Now I'm scared of trying to handle her! I'm only used to boas and pythons (who just sit there and let you do what you want to them!). I'm always a little nervous when handling new animals, especially if I don't know their personality. Anyway, I'll wait it out and see if she gets any friendlier. Thanks!

08-19-02, 06:25 PM

Is this larger than a neo? tiny snakes are so cute trying to act tuff. One thing not mentioned in the advise was that as a last resort (can be hard to get them back on mice) try anole tails for neos, some kings are notorious for refusing rodents at first.
Good Luck

crimsonking · 08-19-02, 07:19 PM

On this snake ,which has eaten live pinks already, I would not try anoles. And I feel the aggressive nature will diminish with time. I checked its box today.It was hatched on 7/16, shed on 7/23 and first ate the same day. Then again a week later on 7/30. ( I try to keep records) If this one doesn't calm down,let me know and I'll see what I can do.The bite is of no consequence, but if you're not happy, neither am I.Thanks,Mark

girraffasaurus · 08-19-02, 08:58 PM

I'm happy Mark, just a little nervous about being bitten. I know it won't hurt but I'm afraid that if she bites me I might instinctively fling her or something. I don't want to hurt her.