Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anybody working with Scarlet Kings?
I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts on them as a captive animal.

Thank you,

Mike Greathouse

Hardy little snakes in my experience. Not picky about temps or conditions, other than needing small cages and secure hides. Aggressive feeders when given what they want (skinks) or pinks scented with skinks. Babies are absolutely tiny and many people will keep an adult or two without any desire to breed them for this reason. They are about as far from a "lap snake" as you get...most will squirm and musk even after being in captivity for over a year.

That being said, they are beautiful and maintain their color as they mature, unlike many other milks. Post something on the milk snake forum and you'll get plenty of responses.

Good luck,
Michael

Thank you for the information, Michael.
Are there any particular breeders that you would recommend to obtain captive-bred animals?

Mike Greathouse

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

I got my first earlier this summer, and with help from the people here, she is now taking F/T pinkies right out of my hand. She stays hidden all day, and ventures out at night when hungry, so it's not a "showcase" animal IMO. Despite that, she is still my favorite snake!

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1.0 C/B Brooks
0.1 C/B Pueblan
0.0.1 W/C Scarlet King
0.0.1 W/C Yellow Rat
0.0.1 W/C Western Garter
1.0 C/B Black Lab
1.0 C/B Min. PoodleXAmer. Eskimo hybrid
1.0 C/B Goofy Cat
1.2 C/B Children
0.1 W/C wife

Yes,..I remember that beauty from a while back!, glad to hear it is doing so well for you!

When I was breeding them many years ago, these two would eat right out of my hand as well,..I just LOVE it when they are that well acclimated and laid back..LOL!,..as you know, many can be extremely trying, even for the most "seasoned" keeper.

~Doug


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

well, she is not completely "laid back", in fact, she is quite feisty. It's probably because I haven't handled her much since I had so much trouble with her at the beginning. Do you think it would be good for me to get her out and acclimate her with me now that she is eating voraciously and is seemingly happy?
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1.0 C/B Brooks
0.1 C/B Pueblan
0.0.1 W/C Scarlet King
0.0.1 W/C Yellow Rat
0.0.1 W/C Western Garter
1.0 C/B Black Lab
1.0 C/B Min. PoodleXAmer. Eskimo hybrid
1.0 C/B Goofy Cat
1.2 C/B Children
0.1 W/C wife

I think it would be okay to do some short, very gentle handling now and then,...but at the first sign of not wanting to eat, or otherwise seem okay, I wouldn't press it, and let it be for a while,...as you know, they are very nervous by nature, and they pretty much are what they are, and should most of the time, just be accepted that way...LOL!

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