Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I am really interested in getting a mexican black kingsnake
for a pet & have been reading the online information & feel
pretty informed on the needs to care for this animal but I find
different information on the temperment of this specific snake. I have read on some websites that this snake is most docile of kingsnakes & the best for being handled & other pages say that this type tends to be very snippy & will musk quite often when
held. I realize that both could be correct as which these people are only able to report their limited experiences they have had with the snakes they have dealt with personally. But I was hoping to get a reply to this post from someone who has had alot of experience with these & can give a broader opinion on the subject. I mainly want an all black snake so if there is another snake out there that is all black & makes for a better pet like a black rat snake etc then I would be open to that also. I understand that these types of snakes as babies until being used
to being held will musk but I dont want to have a pet that doesnt like being held & musks or bites continually going into his adult years also. Any information anyone can provide would
be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

In my experience, snakes are a lot like any other animal in that most specimens have their own unique personality. This would seem a bit far fetched at first, but some species may be notorious for being rude, yet an individual in that group may be the most docile animal you've ever delt with and vice versa. As far as snippiness goes ( I think that's the word you used)most neonatal snakes will be that way, but as with almost any animal trust will be established after careful handling. I would say that a mexican black would definitely be a good choice for a hardy, docile, long lived captive.
eliot stone
p.s. you're almost sure to get bit at least once by your herps if you plan on handling them, so just accept it as part of the hobby.

Excellent choice. Mexican Black Kingsnakes are very laid back. I have an adult that is as calm as any of my snakes, including the corns. As a matter of fact, he's always been my daughters favorite as well as other Kids and adults that are interested in learning and handling snakes.
Another good choice if you like all black snakes is the Black Milksnake. Probably even more calm then a Mexican Black, but they do get large, six feet and over, I believe, is common.
Also one last choice if you can ever find one is a melanistic (Black) Thayeri. I have a friend that has one that's very glossy black. They average about 36 inchs and are very calm. Good luck.

Steve

I keep them and have produced atleast 30 or so babies so far. Almost all are typical hatchlings and will bite and musk you but once they grow a little they can become very mellow and slow snakes.My male breeder is a great pet,he is very calm and doesn't get startled easily. The female is much more alert and has one helluva feeding response. As long as you haven't handled any rodents or snakes before picking her up you are good to go. Any scent on you and you're asking to get bit. In my opinion a snake should have a fiesty side. As long as it isn't the type that strikes at the sides of his cage when you walk by it.....a little agression can be taken as a sign of good health. Baby Black Milks are more calm in the begining but the Kings usually mellow out nicely after a few months. My yearling Black Milk has just about lost all her color. 1 or two more sheds and she will be solid black. I can't wait til she's 6 ft! Tom

I purchased a yearling female Mexican Black King (even though I'm honestly more of a rat snake gal) and I've been very happy with the result. She may be unusual but she has yet to musk or strike- knock on wood- last time I said that about a snake it bit the bejesus out of me the next day. If you would like to be more sure of the temperament you may want to select an older snake, as most neonate snakes tend to be more nippy and spastic. Also, be aware that some MBKs are not solid black and may show some white under the chin or along the belly scales. I bought the blackest out of the group at a show but she still has a little white under her chin. Mine eats like there's no tomorrow and is pretty active about the cage. Of course Black rats are awesome too - but they'll never be all black...
Good Luck!
Lora

I have several. The adults are the greatest. You can sit with them just wrapped around your hand and arm...they just chill.
The babies can be a little scooty,but how would you feel being just born and someone 1000 times your size picks you up off the ground. I have never had a problem with them eating. I just got another huge female today. She is beautiful. I feel they are one of the most friendly subspecies out there. Just my opinion
Good luck with whatever you decide.
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All creatures great and small we are to care for them all.
5 Corns,7 Kings,4 Milks, 1 Everglade rat,1 German Shephard,1 Cairn & 1 Giant Schnauzer