Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I just recently acquired my first ever snake. He's a 9 month old Cal King and I believe they called him a black banded.

First, I was told to use paper towel as his substrate but looking online I see most people do not use that. Is it personal preference or is there a better substrate?

Secondly, I've been feeding him one mouse hopper every 5 days or so, should he be getting more? He doesn't seem to have any problem eating it so I'm sure he doesn't need less.

Finally, the second day I had him he musked on me while being handled and I kept getting mixed answers on whether that's a good or bad thing. Please enlighten me!

Thanks
-----
1.0 California Kingsnake
4.0 Pet Rats
1.1 Cats
1.0 Betta

I've had my milksnake/kingsnake (it's debated which he is) for 3.5 years, since he was hatched, and he still sprays me every single time I handle him. I think it's a reflex thing for these guys. The corns have never, ever musked us.

You'll just have to get used to it. I usually hold him over his container until he's done and then take him to the sink and rinse each hand individually. For some reason he calms down in the bathroom... (bright lights, mirror???)

After that, he's usually OK... sometimes his tail still rattles. They just don't tolerate handling like some other snakes.

On the other side, my son had a Grey-Banded King and that never musked us either.

Good luck... enjoy your snake and post some pics!

Walt

Substrate is much a matter of personal preference. There's nothing wrong with paper towels, newspaper or aspen. Use what suits you best. As for feeding, sounds like you are doing just fine. As he gets bigger, increase his food size accordingly. And as for the musking, every snake is different. With more handling, he may adjust to you and quit, or he may not. Time will tell. Good luck!

-----
Greg Jackson

I use Cypress Mulch. It's cheap in huge bags at Lowe's or Home Depot, it smells nice, and the snakes seem to like it.

Never use Cedar Mulch or any other aromatic wood (you should be able to find a list online).

The snakes also seem to like humid hides.

You can make one using a Country Crock or similar lidded container. Cut or melt a hole in the side about twice as big around as the snake. Melt the edges of the hole so they're not sharp. Then buy some moss at Petsmart or Petco, wet it thoroughly (squeezing out the excess), put it in the tub, and close the lid. The snake will probably crawl in there on its own. Don't be surprised if it's in there for DAYS!

I also have a half log and a coconut for each snake. They love both. You can buy a coconut hide or make one yourself out of a coconut from the store.

good luck and welcome!

Walt

with regards to musking i think i have been lucky my king has never (touch wood) musked me do they musk from birth or do they have to reach maturity first?
-----
Cheesemonkey

mine has musked since birth (or at least very young)... I think he was a month or two old when I got him...

Walt

Thanks everyone

It's good to hear that being musked is no big deal
-----
1.0 California Kingsnake
4.0 Pet Rats
1.1 Cats
1.0 Betta Fish

"I love the smell of snake musk in the morning" Robt. Duval
its all part of having kingsnakes.
Wait till he bites you.
-----
"Wake me when its April"

Doug L