Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I am looking to purchase a captive bred scarlet kingsnake. Preferrably one that is feeding primarily on lizards (anoles). I have tried searching for a breeder, but have been unable to locate one that lists the scarlet kingsnake. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks.

Not many pursue ANY snakes that prefer lizards to begin with so I have to ask if you keep anything else first.If you are a beginner I really suggest you get an updated library because while they WERE once the COOL tri-color the advent of captive breeding has now made it possible to get several other species of tri-colors cb cheaper and easier!The classified section is a great place to find alternatives.IF you have experience and want a serious challenge and you do your homework about keeping scarlet kings there are a couple people that should be producing offspring for sale later this year-Gerry Benzik and Tony Dongarra and Damon Kirk.I am certain that they would LOVE to be rid of every little HEADACHE they produce as quickly as possible,lol.But I am looking outside to a foot of snow,so spring and breeding season isnt here quite yet! Check back in the classifieds in about 2 months.Good luck!By the way there are WC scarlet kings available this time of year,but I think you likely know the differences between cb and wc so I wont go into that here,lol,Jeff

There are a couple of reasons. The main reason is that I live in Florida, and I prefer to keep native species. Often people come over to our house, and they have a lot of questions about our pets (marine aquariums, turtles). I try to make it somewhat educational about local species. The second reason is that they rarely exceed 2 feet.

The snake will be fed a mixed diet, but I wanted it to accept lizards, to show their more natural diet.

I have lots of experience keeping herps. I had as many as 35 snakes at one point (too many). I got out of the hobby about 7 years ago, when I got married. I just convinced my wife to let me keep one "pretty little snake".

It sounds like you know what you need to about husbandry requirements as well as dietary habits.The SOUTH Florida ones are VERY nice(very YELLOW)but are hard to come by.If I were you I would hold out for one of these and put some feelers out to those down there in the field herping.I would suggest NOT dealing with one under 16"simply because of their preference to hide--why would you want a display animal you cant see?But that kind of eliminates the captive-bred stock as it takes years to get that size.I will not hesitate to say that anyone claiming CB(especially this time of year)is not playing with a full deck.Be skeptical and persistent,they are a species worth the time.Good luck,Jeff

I have 3.3 LTC Scarlet Kings and I should have some CB in 3-4 months. I will only sell to experienced hobbyists at a reasonable price....I will post photos when the eggs are laid, hatched etc so, fingers crossed, and stay tuned. I also live in Florida....(in the remote possibility you dont already know this)I would suggest that you freeze all lizards before feeding.....