Hi folks, I did an internet search for kingsnake and I landed on the field observation forum first, then found my way here. So I guess I'll tell you how I came across the snakes.
In 27 years in Napa I'd never caught one kingsnake intil a couple days ago while turkey hunting on my Aunt's property. (I'll bet the non-native Rio Grande turkeys are eating some of our native snakes.) A dark black king with broken white bands came cruising right up to me while I sitting under a tree. It's about 2 1/2 feet long and was quite docile when I picked it up. I wanted to show it to my Aunt and she asked me to keep it for a few days until a photo shoot.
Yesterday, just a couple days after catching the first one, I found a second one on the other side of town at my Grandad's place. (What are the odds of that happening!?!) It's dark brown with complete bands and probably over three feet long. I kept it also, in case I now have a breeding pair.
So now the questions: How do I find out their sex? Spring came early here this year, is it still breeding season? Is it possible one or both could be gravid? Maybe a captive breeding program exists for releasing the young back into the wild??? How long should I wait before feeding them? Should they have heat pads? (nightime indoor temps in the mid 60s.)
Most of my experience is with a boa that I had for a few years and kept very healthy. Too healthy actually, she outgrew my closet cage in half the expected time, before I could move out. So I gave her to someone who lets her have her own room.
I know I need to keep kings seperated. The bigger one is in a rubbermade tub with a weighted screen over it until I get my other terrarium out of storage. I want to eventually release them right back where I found them. I just need to figure out if I should try to breed them first, give them to someone with a breeding program, or just release them after taking pictures and showing the neighbors kids that these are the "good guys."
Any advice is appreciated.
