Yes, I kept kings in groups, and yes, there were bonded/perferred pairs. But as all of you know, its not manditory with snakes.



What we saw was, mostly when raised together, a pair would hang out at all times, they seemed to be in love, the males would get all goo goo eyed and constantly have their heads on the female, even when not cycled. The females would voluntarily breed the bonded/preferred male very early in the cycle, while not tail gaping other males. of course, late in the cycle, they would breed a doorknob. Consider, I watch many wild pairs of gilas/torts/rattlesnakes/lyresnakes/kingsnakes, etc, that meet the exact same male, year after year. But, there are those in nature that do not meet up with the same male, as well. I think this pairing is the most successful stradgy of many they use.



Again, with captive snakes its not cut and dry or even required. Its just the difference between a good running race car and a great running racecar. To some, thats all the difference in the world.



On the otherhand, with monitors it was clearly benefitual and greatly increased success. FR

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