Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've held my new baby blotched king today over his tank, nervously as he's SO TINY! But he was great, not darty at all (I remember from over 10 years ago how my then-baby graybanded darted out of my hands). He's so small I went to my pet store the day after I got him to try to find tiny enough pinkies. I got the smallest one they had, but it still was larger than he is around. But he still put it down in a matter of minutes, and was looking for more. I'd like to feed him again soon, but was wondering what is the best way to go with these guys - one pinky twice a week, two pinkies once a week, or what? I'm kinda at a loss here, my graybanded had to be coaxed to eat - don't think I'll have that problem here. Just want to feed him well, without "power-feeding" which I've heard is harmful to the snake. I'd like to see him grow quickly, but not t the cost of his health!
Thanks so much for answering my previous questions, and in advance for your advice here.
-----
1.0.0 277 Graybanded Kingsnake, Boris Karloff - R.I.P.
1.0.0 Crockett Graybanded Kingsnake, Julien Sands
1.0.0 Ball Python, Frank Langella
1.0.0 Blue-eyed lucy, Ian McKellen
1.0.0 spider Ball Python, Martin Freeman
1.0.0 Sweet Rosy Bourke Parakeet, Didgeridoo
1.0.0 Ringneck Dove, Pimmdale Plumington
0.1.0 Smart & Loving Daughter

you cannot overfeed baby getula the term "power feeding" does not apply with growing getula.
you want to get them off pinkies and onto fuzzies as soon as possible because pinkies have no real nutritional value. I feed my keeper getula babies every 3to4 days.
also support them with good temp. gradients so they can properly assimilate their meals.
good luck

,,,,,,,,,,,thomas davis
-----
Morphs... just like baseball cards BUT ALIVE, how cool is that???

my website www.barmollysplace.com

n/p
-----
1.0.0 277 Graybanded Kingsnake, Boris Karloff - R.I.P.
1.0.0 Crockett Graybanded Kingsnake, Julien Sands
1.0.0 Ball Python, Frank Langella
1.0.0 Blue-eyed lucy, Ian McKellen
1.0.0 spider Ball Python, Martin Freeman
1.0.0 Sweet Rosy Bourke Parakeet, Didgeridoo
1.0.0 Ringneck Dove, Pimmdale Plumington
0.1.0 Smart & Loving Daughter

Thomas I agree in general with you but if pinkies have no real nutritional value how come baby snakes that eat pinkies grow? And as we all know Kings grow mighty rapidly when they're little. I'm just encouraging everyone to not overstate their positions. It can undermine credibility and might even mislead some beginners .

I echo Thomas' advice. Feed kings as much as they want. I had a clutch of 4 Cal King neos hatch out July 31st, and all but 1 will eat 2 small fuzzies every 3-4 days.

reako45

I agree with both, there is NO SUCH THING as power feeding. You have to remember, snakes are ectotherms, but they require heat to maintain an efficient metabolism. A snake on the cool side, will deposit fat and not go long. A snake with the proper heat, grows long and thin, then bulks up when they reach sexual maturity.

I have kings that feed daily, by choice, and are fine. One example is our pair of L. thayeri. A year ago they were about 9 or ten inches, the female is 36 inches now(large for that species. The male is about 33 inches. I do not always have food available, but at times I do. The male likes to eat one or two fuzzies a day, mostly one. the female eats everything that's not bolted down. And she feeds every few days. Remember, its their choice. They grew the same until recently.

Of course this will not go on forever. Once they are adults, they will slow down. Good luck

Thanks everyone - I feel better now! I wanted to feed him whenever he'd eat. I've had him a week, and he's already gotten noticibly bigger.
-----
1.0.0 277 Graybanded Kingsnake, Boris Karloff - R.I.P.
1.0.0 Crockett Graybanded Kingsnake, Julien Sands
1.0.0 Ball Python, Frank Langella
1.0.0 Blue-eyed lucy, Ian McKellen
1.0.0 spider Ball Python, Martin Freeman
1.0.0 Sweet Rosy Bourke Parakeet, Didgeridoo
1.0.0 Ringneck Dove, Pimmdale Plumington
0.1.0 Smart & Loving Daughter

Frank, blame it on my background as an editor, but as I did with Thomas i'd like to encourage you to be very precise in your statements here. You have so much experience that warrants being shared, but hyperbole can be our enemy
Do they eat "every day" or does she eat "every several days", for example. And you don't always have food, so they can't eat every day.
I'm guessing what you mean is that you have the feeling they would both eat every day if you offered food, although I'm not sure how that matches the female's frequency you described. Regardless I agree with you generally on power feeding. Cheers.