Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My son has recently expressed an interest in getting a Brooks king and I am just a little curious about their temperament. I have been keeping snakes for years but have focused mostly on corns and sand boas and have not worked with any kings. I am ok with wriggly babies but would like to have some confidence that it would be calmer as an adult. Any thoughts anyone could share are very much appreciated. Thanks.

Rob

Most captive lines of brooksi are pretty calm as adults, and most start out defensive as babies. They can develop a strong feeding response, and if not handled regularly can develop a "bite first, ask questions later" feeding response.
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www.brooksi.com

That's a prett good way to describe it Nick! I have some from captive bred lines, which are like so gentle it amazes me sometimes. Then some of the ones closer to the bush, can have that crazy feed response. None of mine are really mean, they just can't distinguish food from fingers sometimes. The line bred ones, are much more laid back usually, but there are exceptions to every rule. Frequent handling, and frequent feeding are a must.
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What's wrong with using CAUTION?!?!?!
King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
~ Jorge Sierra www.SierraSnakes.com

IMO Florida kings are the tamest of the getula overall in general, as adults.

Pros: Calm, easy, big but does not need alot of space really

Cons: Eats often (well, its a getula ...), can have quite a feed response at times (well, its a getula..)

To me, they almost seem like boa constrictor personality was infused into a kingsnake.

I appreciate everyone's comments, they are pretty much what I expected and was hoping for. The common thread seemed to be handle frequently (no problem) and keep well fed. What would you all consider keeping well fed? Typically I have fed snakes one prey item of appropriate size on roughly a weekly schedule. Do Brooks need more than that? More items per feeding? Yes to both? Sorry for the rookie questions. I just don't have as much experience with kings as I do with some other stuff and I want this to be a good experience for my son. Thanks again.

Rob

Rob - I have 5 brooks in addition to some BPs. I feed my brooks one appropriately sized prey item per week and they seem to do fine, although they will never refuse to take another if offered - they are all large and robust. When my BPs refuse to eat, the left overs go to the brooks - and they are pleased to get the bonus. However, this doesn't happen very often.

Jim

Well, this is hard to answer. Cause there are many variables. Typically I believe most people feed Florida Kings too little. If the snake comes outwith it's mouth open and biting the side of the cage, then maybe he's hungry. It also depends on the individual snake. Most are ravenous feeders but there may be exeptions. I would say 2 items would work better if you are feeding mice. I breed mice and rats, and try to use rats for the larger kings. I try to pick out a rat that will be a substantial meal and leave them very full, but not stuffed. Like I said it depends on the snake. Especially if you are trying to keep him calm. When snakes go hungry they seem to always be on that feeding switch or mode. I have some Eastern Kings which seem to never be satisfied.
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What's wrong with using CAUTION?!?!?!
King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
~ Jorge Sierra www.SierraSnakes.com