Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just fed my new baby king for the first time. He shed yesterday and I've read that they need to feed after they've shed. I've also read in several care sheets to take the snake out of the tank and put it in a separate feeding tank (I used a cardboard box) so that it doesn't associate feeding with regular handling. The little guy ate just fine, but I didn't think I would be able to pick him up and put him back in his tank. He kept rattling his tail and getting in a striking position. In fact, anytime I just sit and watch him in his tank, he rattles his tail if I move or he will get in a striking position. Is this going to be normal for a while until he gets used to me, or what? Any suggestions, past experiences you can share would be much appreciated.

I think (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) that the reasoning behind feeding post-shed is this: a lot of snakes will refuse shed while they are in "blue", and as a result, they are eager to eat after shedding. If you watch your snake, when he starts cruising around the tank looking for food, offer him a mouse. I usually feed my adult Cal king about once every 5-7 days. After a while, you'll learn your snake's cues.

In my experience (and I've been lucky), young snakes will threaten more often than they will attack. There are some that will follow through with a bite. The best thing to do is just pick the snake up anyway, even if he bites you. The snake has to learn that the big thing falling from the sky is not going to hurt him. It may take a while, but eventually the snake should relax when handled.

I would definitely recommend feeding in a separate, substrate-free container. This will help in preventing the ingestion of substrate. Also, don't handle the snake for at least a day after feeding as this can cause them to regurgitate.

Good luck with your snake!

BTW - could you post some pics of your king?

Yeah, thanks! Sure, I can post some pics, but I don't know how. I know how to post pics on myspace forums, but not here. Is it the same?

Just be very gentle as you return the little one to its home. I feed all of my snakes in bare, individual containers as in the past I've lost two different snakes to impaction. And as the little one gets used to you the displays will probably cease. You may get bit but it's no big deal. Good Luck!!!
Shalom,

Pat

You can pick the snake up after he eats and put him back in the cage. I'm not sure if you just didn't want to get bit or if you thought handling him wouldn't be fine. You just shouldn't handle them for a couple of days after they eat, but just picking them up for a moment to move them is fine. They don't necessarily have to eat after they shed, but you should feed them because they'll be ready for a meal. A lot of the babies act real defensive like that but it's natural. It will take time to go away.

That's a nice picture. How old is that snake?

Thanks, it was hatched from a batch of eggs I got from a wild caught female. It was about 15" when the photo was taken. I can't remember the age.

I'd take the box and "pour" the snake from it back into the cage. This might be less stressful than actually picking up the snake. I agree with the person who said to be careful, it's likely that a young snake can find its way out of a box.

Kingsnakes, like many young snakes are defensive, so the tail vibrating doesn't surprise me. In most cases young snakes calm down as they get bigger.

Tim

Third Eye

Well, it's comforting to know that he'll eventually calm down. Thanks alot.

I have only raised one "kingsnake", actually a sinaloan milksnake, but have raised lots of cornsnakes. One thing I have done is just put the box you fed it in into its enclosure after it eats, and let it crawl out on its own. It will definately calm down as time goes by. Another thing I have often done is handle hatchlings while they eat. I either hold them and offer a pinkie, or pick them up to return them to their enclosure before they finish. This seems to get them over their nervousness about being handled during and after feeding. As far as your new snake rattling its tail when you are just sitting there and move a little, does it have a hide where it can feel secure?

Hope this helps.
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Kent

Yeah, your information is helpful, and I appreciate it. Yes, he does have a hide, but he prefers hiding under the water dish or under the substrate. I will try handling him while he's eating and see if that helps.

I did get to handle him for about an hour and a half tonight and he did eventually calm down very nicely. He did freak out any time that I spoke to him and would start coming toward my face. Do they not like to be talked to or what? LOL.

I think I read a long time ago, that snakes don't hear, but feel vibrations. They don't have ear holes like lizards do. Anyway, I usually talk softly and move slowly when handling my snakes.

Maybe he likes (or doesn't like) your breath! HaHa!

These are my 2 babies. I know they aren't kingsnakes. I have been thinking about getting a mexican black kingsnake. I like the look of them alot, and have read that they are very calm.

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Kent

Yeah, they don't have any tympanic membranes to speak of, so all other senses would be very highly developed. He does have excellent eyesight... at least that's what I've noticed. Those are nice looking snakes. Corns, I guess?

I have very impressed with my kingsnake. He's so chill (after I got him to calm down and let me hold him, of course).

Anyway, I'm posting pictures in my newer topic at the top of the list if you'd like to see.

Yes they are corns: a female hypomelanistic, and a male ghost stripe.
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Kent