Reptile & Amphibian Forums

constrictors then rat snakes? does anyone have experience with both?

I've only had black rats & have kings currently. I have only seen the rats constrict live baby chicks & non live prey & the kings rodents. I ould say except for one male black rat kings are stronger for their size.

Kingsnakes are muscular as in moving around through burrows and soil and in tight underground crevices and such. And in acquiring food.

But don't underestimate the power of those slender, light-bodied ratsnakes either. This cornsnake tackled this rat, and that is no small prey item.

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Mark

This would make an interesting test, to see what Colubrid consticter has the most constricting power, like they do for bite tests.

Scott D

Although both are very powerful constrictors, without scientific pressure measuring data of somekind, one can only go by how powerful and violent it "looks" like, and how far out a live rodent's eyes are bulging out while being constricted, etc...

However, I would easily give the Kings(especially the getula complex) the upper hand when it comes to constricting power from their neck region. They are VERY thick, and heavily built for overpowering prey, that certainly can't be disputed.

~Doug
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

Hands down my vote would go for common Kings over Elaphe. I've literally seen rodents eyes rupture from the presure by Kings, never have seen that with Ratsnakes. Still would make for an interesting test and the data it would give.

Scott D

And let's not forget who would eat who when equal size kings and rats are hungry and placed together.

"It's good to be da king."-Mel Brooks

hahahahahahaha for real power from a small or similar sized snake, look no further then rosy boas.

When I was young, I fed nestling birds to all manner of snakes. Rosys were the only one who repeatedly "Popped" them. So my Vote goes to Rosys.

I still say the best killing machine of north american harmless snakes is the indigo. They will rip apart anything, even fire hydrants. Cheers

and fingers, flesh,etc(generally on a blind feeding response where they miss-lol). I agree, they are so darned powerful they don't know their own strength.

Indigo's are probably the MOST regal and coveted of ANY N. American snake!....they are just AWESOME in my book!

~Doug
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

Indies bite like a croc!

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Todd Hughes

Todd,.......I must agree!, they don't play games when it comes to clamping down on something(hopefully not a hand)....LOL

~Doug
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"