Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I seem to be getting the impression that kings are generally easier to tame than milksnakes, and milks are more likely to musk than kings. Is this true at all? I've heard stories about Cal kings being rather mellow, compared to Pueblans which are more jumpy. Does this apply to other subspecies too?

Ive been bitten by kings, never been bitten by a milk. Milks do tend to musk more though. Guess it depends on the species or even the individual snake.

Kevin

I own a variety of kings and milks and the only ones I have that will musk and bite you are the ones I don't handle as much as the others. Kings I have Thayeri, Greeri, Cal Kings, Prairie Kings, Brooksi and Speckled. Milks I have Sinoloan, Pueblan and Andean. The only 3 I have that are biters and muskers are two subadult Cal kings and an adult wild caught speckled. However, I do own two adult Cal kings that are as laid back as a corn snake.

Hmmm.
I wish you could see my Okeetee corn snakes! All c/b, some by me, and they all rattle and some bite. In my experience, though, milks will struggle mightly to get away without striking. If a king gets that freaked, it'll nail ya! And kings are the ONLY snake I've ever had bite me after holding it for several minutes when it was calm at first.

KINGSNAKES
I have found Mexican black kings to be very tame.
Desert kings are pretty good too.
All the others as babies tend to "tail rattle", musk and sometimes bite.

MILKSNAKES
Baby Hondurans are extremely skittish. Adults tame down nicely. Pueblans are somewhat skittish as babies and adults. Nelson's milks are very tame as babies and adults. I have never kept Sinaloans. I have also found red miks to be very laid back.

Hope this information helps,

Tim

Third Eye

I guess I'll go to East Bay Vivarium and hold as many hatchling milks and kings as I can. I'll just try to pick the tamest one that has a reasonable price and a nice coloration.