Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I tried to feed a hatchling ringneck to my hatchling scarlet king but he wasn't interested.

I havent met an adult that would turn down a CB bay garter snake...it really is amazing how aggressive feeders scarlet kings can be when you give em what they want. I cant believe that ringneck could make it past the night with your baby.

and the scarlet king knows not to mess with it? I know that the ringneck's "venom" is extremely weak to humans, but what about to snakes?
-----
sue

That might be he did act afraid but I thought it was that he wasn't hungry because he had eaten recently. Then agan both of my young scarlet kings acted afraid of it.

Kings are famous for being able to feed on other snakes,poisonous included.I think its the scent of the ringneck derived from its prey of salamanders that likely sets off the scarlet...They are commonly found together and it wouldnt be a good idea to live with snake eaters without forming some kind of defense mechanism. I have used ringnecks as feeders with marginal success but would not recommend them to others,Jeff

and your theory about the salamanders is probably the right one. Do you think that it is the scent or the bright color on the ring around the neck that is the trigger for "leave me alone, I can poison you."?

On a separate note, I have heard, but don't know if it is true, that kingsnakes are only immune to the venoms that are found in their own locale.
-----
sue

I highly doubt that scarlet kings look to see any bright colors under a pile of shingles,boards or whatever.Its obviously smell,Jeff

No thats false. In a study I read Eastern Kings were resistant to most if not all Vipers in the US (only US vipers were used in the study). So no its not always the locals they are resistant to.

Keith
-----