Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I originally posted this on the Mole and Prairie Kingsnake Forum, but I noticed it hadn't been checked since October 15, so I thought I'd have more luck here.

There is a snake at the petstore labeled "Prairie Kingsnake". It is
quite tiny, smaller than some Corn Snake hatchlings I see all the time.
I own 2 corn snakes - one was fairly agressive but has tamed
considerably, and a radiated rat snake (shown below), which is supposed to be
aggressive but is sweet as can be. Well, this Prairie Kingsnake is
beautiful but has struck at me all 3 times I've tried to hold it. One time,
I managed to get it and it calmed down while I held it but struck at
everyone that walked by. It is olive to grass green with burgandy
saddles. I know lots of hatchlings/younger snakes can be feisty but calm
down, but I know nothing about this breed's general personality - which
may differ depending upon the region it came from, which I don't know -
or what size they get, etc. Any specific advice about purchasing this
breed/snake?

Thanks in advance!

In my experience the prairie king is one of the most laid back of kings. Of course there are exceptions. Remember that all snakes are individuals. I can't recall any of my hatchlings striking, but usually don't pay attention to that.
Generally, I'd say that most will calm with gentle daily handling.
I really like the subtle beauty of some like you describe but others can be rather drab.

As a rule, you're looking at a snake in the 40" range as an adult. Again, there are excetions.
Kept as most any other king or cornsnake, I believe he will do well.
Good luck and let us know how he does if you decide to pick him up...
What's the story on the snake you posted a picture of?
I know it's not a prairie king....
Another beauty.
:Mark
-----
Surrender Dorothy!

www.crimsonking.funtigo.com

That is my radiated rat snake - one I bought without research - but got really lucky as he is a rather skittish, aggressive species/breed (whatever?) but has been wonderful for me. The prairie is very pretty with distint coloration - his saddles are more maroon than the one in your photo - but I like the albino next to him very much! Maybe I'll take a picture at the pet store and post it before I get it. Now I just have to determine whether the risk is worth the potential divorce!

Yeah, I knew it was a radiated. Just was wondering how it was doing for you.
Prairie kings are certainly variable in the degree of contrast. The ones in the pic I posted are a day or two old and are still very "non-colorful". They quickly get that nice contrast you are talking about. The albino got really red and cream.
I'm pretty sure a Japanese friend who gets my weird Cal kings picked that one up from me.
:Mark
-----
Surrender Dorothy!

www.crimsonking.funtigo.com

Nice Radiated Rat. Never kept Prairie Kings, but the advice I'd give, is to find out as much about the snake's history as possible, then find out as much about the snake's husbandry from people who've kept the snake for awhile. How much $$ is the snake going for? Prairie Kings don't pop up too often (@ least where I live) in herp shops I frequent.

reako45

There will be little to nothing known I'm sure because it is at Petco. Having said that, my best friend works there and I am on very good terms with the manager, who has been very helpful with reps - he got me the radiated before it got taken off his availability list - those are fairly rare I think too. The prairie king is $69.99 on sale right now for $59.99 and I'd get another 20% off that probably. He has been there for a few months at least and if he is striking, they will have a harder time selling him. Thanks for your reply!