Califonian king snake

[Tiffany]

My neice is moving back to my sister's and can't take her snake with her because my sister is terrified of them. She doesn't want to part with him so I've offered to have him.

She said they are easy to keep but I'd like to gather as much info as possible so I know I'm looking after him properly.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks

[faz]

dont put him/her in with any othe snake the calli will eat it any snake with the name KING in it eat other snakes think about it the perfect snake

[Tiffany]

OMG Faz I didn't know that. Wasn't thinking of putting him with another snake but still glad you've told me.

Do they like being out of their tank & handled or do they prefer to be left alone?
Must admit I'm not keen on seeing any animal caged full time.

[faz]

if handled regular most consrictors are

[JaySteel]

If the snake is used to being handled then I would continue with this practice. If not then it may take a while to get used to being handled. King snakes can be quite 'bitey' initially so you may have to persevere with handling and endure the odd bite until it gets used to you. One trick is to carry a sock around with you for 24hrs and then put this in the vivarium with the snake for a couple of days before you try handling the snake. This allows the snake time to get used to your scent before you start handling it.

Jason

[Gue Jam Fowsid]

Hi Tiffany,

I think Kingsnakes have a bit of a bad rep for feistyness. They can bite if one restrains them from moving through your hands but that is understandable. As has been mentioned, the more they are handled the more placid they tend to be. I have had my cali king for 12 years now. They react alot to movement so if you are fearful and make sudden movements to avoid them, they're more likely to strike. It's best to remain calm and let the snake approach you and realise that you are not prey (maybe difficult if you are fearful ). They're certainly beautiful snakes and my male, Cisco, still fascinates me after all this time.

Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

[Paul mabbott]

What happens to the sock? I'd just like to know!

Originally Posted by JaySteel

If the snake is used to being handled then I would continue with this practice. If not then it may take a while to get used to being handled. King snakes can be quite 'bitey' initially so you may have to persevere with handling and endure the odd bite until it gets used to you. One trick is to carry a sock around with you for 24hrs and then put this in the vivarium with the snake for a couple of days before you try handling the snake. This allows the snake time to get used to your scent before you start handling it.

Jason

[JaySteel]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

What happens to the sock? I'd just like to know!

I've heard that king snakes rip it to pieces with their powerful jaws and razer-sharp teeth!

Jason

[Tiffany]

Originally Posted by JaySteel

If the snake is used to being handled then I would continue with this practice. If not then it may take a while to get used to being handled. King snakes can be quite 'bitey' initially so you may have to persevere with handling and endure the odd bite until it gets used to you. One trick is to carry a sock around with you for 24hrs and then put this in the vivarium with the snake for a couple of days before you try handling the snake. This allows the snake time to get used to your scent before you start handling it.

Jason

Just what I need a biting snake

[JaySteel]

Most are fine. But some can take a little while to get used to being handled.