Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I have the opportunity to adopt a male 4 1/2 ft chocolate and cream kingsnake but as I have no experience with king snakes I would like opinions. I currently have three corn snakes which I love. I have always liked the way king snakes look but I want to make the right decision. Do you suggest king snakes for a second snake species? I have been keeping corns for a year. Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

It sounds like the King your looking at is a Cal. King? I think a Cal King would be a great first snake let alone second. Watch out though, you might get hooked and next thing you know you'll be looking for Eastern, Florida, Mole, and Greybanded Kings too. LOL!
-Phil

Thanks! I think the grey banded are amazing looking.

hi
I have a 41/2ft chocolate and cream desert king and i would truly reccomend these snakes.
they are wonderfull hardy snakes with great feeding response. They are quite easy snakes to look after and your experience with corns will put you in great stead, one word of advice...keep the king well away from your corns or you might find yourself owning just one snake, (corns are a tasty meal for any king)

Please post pics of him/her if you decide to go ahead, do do do lol

here is a (not very good) pic of mine.

Guess not yet, photobucket on maintenance will post soon or look at unknown king thread

the pic as promised

He is beautiful. Thanks for your help and photo. I hope the kingsnake that I'm adopting today is as nice looking as yours. How many mice does your eat a week? My corns are much smaller so I want to make sure I feed my king enough. Thanks!

he eats at the moment 2 full size mice or one medium rat every 3-4 days, but thats only because he was neglected by his previous owner and when obtained by me a couple of weeks ago VERY hungry and actually lept out of his viv to take the food.

Normal feeding should be about 2 mice per week dependent on size, yours should be about the same size as mine, i am no expert on these as i have just recently got my king but i suppose they will only eat what they want and re-freezing mice seems ok as long as it is only done once or twice as the freezing and defrosting process breaks down the mouse. (assuming you will be feeding frozen)

from material i have read kings seem to be virile feeders when first feeding mine i gave him one medium rat and then offered fuzzies which he gladly took three of then showed no interest in the fourth leading me to believe they only eat what they need.

hope you have as much joy from your king as i have had with mine,.
i owned a blackneck garter, bull snake and a ball python but by far the most enjoyable snake has to be the aptly named KING