Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a king snake a few days ago and I was wondering how long it usually takes them to become used my activity around his (her?) cage. The cage is in my room and at this point, whenever someone comes in, he darts down into one of his tunnels and stays under his bedding.

How long did it take your snake to become comfortable being out and about when you were present? And is there anything I should do/avoid to make it easier on him?

Is it a baby? In any case, they get more tolerant with age. Also remember that babies hide (in nature) to avoid predation, so it is not out of the ordinary for a baby snake to be defensive or very secretive. Don't try to force it or expect it to be a very interactive pet in that regard.
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Mark

I agree with Mark. If it is young it will calm down with age, and time to get used to everything. Keep him well fed and he won't try to eat your hand too. What kind of King is it? That can make a difference also. Frequent handling and time is the answer, but many Kings will remain secretive and choose to hide much of the time, even if they do calm down. Good luck!
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King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
Jorge Sierra

My Site > www.Sierrasnakes.com

>>I agree with Mark. If it is young it will calm down with age, and time to get used to everything. Keep him well fed and he won't try to eat your hand too. What kind of King is it? That can make a difference also. Frequent handling and time is the answer, but many Kings will remain secretive and choose to hide much of the time, even if they do calm down. Good luck!

Many times a snake is not "hiding" from a would-be predator or from the keeper......It is actually protecting itself from dry air that can dehydrate the animal. That is why it is great to provide nice, tight hides for the captive. Humid/cool, Humid/hot, Dry/cool and Dry/hot.........

And my own personal opinion is......there is no need to try and "tame" a snake down....I know not everyone breeds their animals but they seem to breed, feed, function better when left alone.....again, my opinion.
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John Lassiter
Poor planning and procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part...

And my own personal opinion is......there is no need to try and "tame" a snake down....I know not everyone breeds their animals but they seem to breed, feed, function better when left alone.....again, my opinion.

although snakes can learn that their keeper is not going to eat them, and can become accustomed to humans in their midst, they are not warm and fuzzy cuddlers. That is what cats and dogs are for! LOL!

Some of my snakes will come out of hiding when they want me to feed them. Like, look at me, I'm hungry. They also will come out and lounge around watching the activity in the room, but then they are not pestered much with excessive handing.
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Bob
Pyromaniac AKA Greatballzofire
Keeping cats allows man to cohabitate with tigers. Keeping reptiles allows man to cohabitate with dinosaurs.

>>Some of my snakes will come out of hiding when they want me to feed them. Like, look at me, I'm hungry. They also will come out and lounge around watching the activity in the room, but then they are not pestered much with excessive handing.

I, too have witnessed similar behavior.........
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John Lassiter
Poor planning and procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part...

True...but I've got a handful that'll climb up my arm while I'm cage cleaning. And at least one of my retics tends to come out and investigate.
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We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.
1.3 African House Snakes
3.2 reticulated pythons
1 corn snake
4.3 Florida Kings
2 speckled kings
1.2 ball pythons
1 Argentine boa
1 Texas Rat Snake
1 checkered garter snake

>>True...but I've got a handful that'll climb up my arm while I'm cage cleaning. And at least one of my retics tends to come out and investigate.

Yep....Ambush predators that rely upon their camoflauge such as boas and pythons act a little different than kingsnakes.
Kingsnakes are more of a stalking predator that finds their prey.
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John Lassiter
Poor planning and procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part...