Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Was wondering if the male mbk's get bigger then the females? also which sex seems to have the better attitude? thnx for any help, I know these are noob questions, but just doing some research before I get one. thnx again

Ive found that males tend to be larger than females in Common Kingsnakes. In regards to temperment Ive not seen any difference by sex. They will vary from snake to snake though in temperment. Good luck !

Keith
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n/p

Third Eye

I am thinking of getting a MBK and had a few questions about their care.

1) as a hatchling I asuume he will do fine in a 10 gallon for the first year. is this correct?

2) I live in phnx Az, my house temp stays about 80 during the summer and between 70-75 in the winter. do I need a undertank heater?

3) i know people say newspaper is the best and cheapest substrate. but i was wondering could i use shredded newspaper for the lil guy to hide in? I plan on feeding him in a seperate container.

4) average size is what for a male mbk? i was told about 5 feet?

5) if he is feeding on live pinks when i get one, how hard will it be to go from live to f/t? and when should i feed him for the first time after i get him?

6) if there is anything else you all think i should know, plz let me know.

thank you
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---> ROBERT

I Fear Two things in Life.GOD and MY WIFE!!

MBK are what I've called many times "bullet-proof" snakes. That is, they are very hardy, breed well and are quite forgiving to the keeper.
Your temps are great, your set-up looks to be good as well. (make sure of a very tight fitting lid)
I wouldn't use an UTH, but you could
Newspaper, either shredded or in sheets works pretty good.
Don't forget fresh drinking water.
Mine average closer to 4' than 5'.
I'd wait a few days to feed him his first meal when you get him and offer him f/t right away. I bet he takes it. If not, it won't be long 'til he does.
Kings can have a strong feeding response, and MBK are prone to one too. If the only time he sees you is when it's feeding time, expect him to be "nippy" as he'll be expecting dinner.
Light handling on a regular basis should curb this somewhat as should your idea of feeding in a seperate container.
:Mark
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Surrender Dorothy!

www.crimsonking.funtigo.com

Crimsonking said it all! Have fun 'cause they are a great snake to own. There are 2 guys on here that have either sex over 5' but mine average 4'.
Todd Hughes

I want one too!

Chatsworth, CA
reako45

30 something posters can't all be wrong! Go for it, you'll love 'em!
Todd Hughes

I agree, I feed my MBK last they are eating everything left from the other snakes (dead or alive LOL), from what I read and see they don’t get larger then 4 feet. IMO you don’t need UTH in Phoenix AZ. The female is as active and nippy as the male. I use 3” deep Aspen shaving for them.
The same place that I told you about before got 4 very nice MBK. Check them out.
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1.1 Albino Sonoran Gopher,
2.1 Leucistic Texas ratsnake
0.1 het leucistic Rusty ratsnake
2.3 W.C Okeetee Corn,
1.1 Abbt line Okeetee Corn,
1.2 W.C Miami Phase Corn
1.1 Sinaloan Milk,
1.0 Orange Pueblian Milk,
1.1 W.C Mexican Black King
1.0 W.C Cal King,
0.1 Durango Mountain King
1.0 Desert King,
1.2 Bearded Dragon
45 Tanks full with African Cichlids.
Many Mice, Rats and feeder Roaches

hey than for the replies. I will check out that place you told me about. I think i am going to be getting a leucistic ratsnake and a mbk. I have always wanted one of each and now that my bday is coming up I have talked the wife into letting me have one! muhahahahaahahaha! thnx again for the help.
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---> ROBERT

I Fear Two things in Life.GOD and MY WIFE!!

I’m sure you will have a lot of fun with the two of them.
Congretulation for the baby, Good luck, Gai.
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1.1 Albino Sonoran Gopher,
2.1 Leucistic Texas ratsnake
0.1 het leucistic Rusty ratsnake
2.3 W.C Okeetee Corn,
1.1 Abbt line Okeetee Corn,
1.2 W.C Miami Phase Corn
1.1 Sinaloan Milk,
1.0 Orange Pueblian Milk,
1.1 W.C Mexican Black King
1.0 W.C Cal King,
0.1 Durango Mountain King
1.0 Desert King,
1.2 Bearded Dragon
45 Tanks full with African Cichlids.
Many Mice, Rats and feeder Roaches

I have both the Leucistic Texas Rat and the MBK. Both are 03 females and over 4ft. They are just gorgeous.