Reptile & Amphibian Forums

On sunday I purchase a baby Mexican Black Kingsnake and I can't get him/her to feed on live pinkies. I need suggestions on what to do. I am fairly new to herping but have had a beautiful banded California kingsnake for 2 years who is awesome. Please, anyone who has the knowledge or experience I need help, I don't want to lose this snake its so pretty.
What can I do to get this baby Mexican Black Kingsnake to feed?
I am willing to try anything to keep him/her alive.

Sincerely,
Uncloudy

If you just bought the snake last Sunday and it has good body weight, you are getting worried prematurely.
It's not uncommon for a snake to go a week or more without eating after the stress of a reptile show and new surroundings.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Make sure your husbandry and temps are correct
2. Make sure the snake has a secure hidebox
3. Don't handle or disturb the snake for a couple days to let it settle in.
4. Leave it overnight in a ventilated deli cup with a frozen/thawed pinky.
5. If that doesn't work try the same thing with a live pinky
6. If that doesn't work, take a pre-killed pinky and make an incision on the head, smear a little brain matter over the head of the pinky and leave it in a deli cup over night with the snake.
7. If all of this doesn't work you may have to try scenting but I'd be very suprised if your snake doesn't eat after being given time to settle in.

Most importantly, relax. If your snake is in good health you have plenty of time to get it to eat. Let us know how things work out. Good luck,
Chris

Thank you for your reponse Gila it was very helpful I was just worried because I love snakes so much.

You're very welcome. It's good to see someone so concerned about their snake. Mexican black kingsnakes aren't generally picky eaters and I don't anticipate that you'll have any problems getting him to feed.

By the way, the reason for feeding hatchlings in a small container such as a deli cup is to make a snake that hasn't developed a strong feeding response yet feel secure and remove any distractions. Often times, if you leave a hatchling and a pinky together undisturbed overnight the pinky will be gone in the morning. Eventually, your kingsnake will probably eat right in front of you but hatchlings can be a little nervous.

The last Mexican black king I owned had such a strong feeding response that I had to pull his cage out of the rack with a snake hook. As soon as his cage would open he'd come flying out looking to eat something....that's another good reason to feed in a seperate container.
Good luck,
Chris