Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The past year I've been raising a pair of Albino Striped Calikings. What is the prefered size of the male and female for breeding. I mainly deal with ETBs, GTPs, Amazons and Carpets but this is my first King pairing. Knowing that they are carnivorous what precausions(sp?)are needed?
I've searched the web for answers turning over nothing. So basically what I'm asking is breeding size and what should I look out for, them not eating each other. Also anyone know the desireability of Albino Striped Calikings?

Pretty easy questions so far . . . well at least wait until sexual maturity, which the general rule of thumb is two years. Size is important as well, so around three feet in length would be sufficient. Breeding too young/small can be problematic, particularly around egg retention. When breeding kings, ALWAYS watch for signs of aggression and potential cannibalism. Sometimes you may see a male king grab a female with his mouth behind or even on her head. That's normal behavior, but if it becomes too aggressive and constriction ensues, time to intervene. You will also see a form of foreplay which involves the male twitching his body while he tries to align with the female. This is normal as well. I had a great pair of nigrita (Mexican black kingsnakes) about 10 years ago in which the male would immediately go for her neck, bite, and completely overwhelm the female into submission. They would be in full copulation in under 20 seconds. So sometimes it may look aggressive, but it's really about dominance. Keep us posted when the time comes.
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Jerry Kruse

"One often meets his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it". - Master Oogway

Great responce Jerry..I'd like to say also, that about a year ago a poster here had a video of "king love" ..I believe it was Zach..posted on his myspace page..maybe he or whomever made it will post a link to it again..Great video.
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Richard Evans

no not THAT one

ya know I have enough trouble remembering what I had for dinner two nights ago much less that link from last year. But whomever posted it, yer bein' called out!!! Good to see you posting -- thought you lost interest in us. Lol...
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Jerry Kruse

"One often meets his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it". - Master Oogway

Cool green. Is that snake Watermelaninistic ?
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"Wake me when its April"

Doug L

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Jerry Kruse

"One often meets his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it". - Master Oogway