Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I have several turtles and lizards and have been interested in getting a snake for awhile now. I was wondering if a kingsnake is a good first snake. I like the cali kings and the grey bandeds'....What kind of king would be the best, and are they docile when handling?

Thanks.

I personally think they make a good first snake. When I was researching what snake to get first, 3 snakes seemed to be recommended often - California Kingsnake, Corn Snake and Ball Python. I went with the Ball Python first, then got 3 sand boas, then a Mexican Black Kingsnake and finally a California Kingsnake. I have to say that among them all I would recommend a Kingsnake as a better first snake (again this is based on personal opinion and experience). The kingsnakes, while a bit jumpy at first (my Cal King used to rattle her tail at me the first couple of days) they've calmed down well, are great feeders (eat like pigs and are easy to switch to frozen/thawed) and they are active and visible (especially compared to my Ball Python). They're also fast (again compared to a Ball Python). They're housing requirements are also easy - no need to mess with trying to keep a high humidity.

I vote 'yes' for a Kingsnake as a first snake. Cal Kings come in many patterns,etc. But I also love my Mex Black King - he has a great temperament.
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python
"Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa
"Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa
"Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa
"Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake
"Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
"Indigo"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

King snakes are a good starter snake. I would say Rat Snakes,Corn Snakes(red rat snake),king snakes and milk snakes are the best choices for a first snake. Ball Pythons,while popular in the pet trade,can be a real pain in the butt. They can be VERY picky eatters and sometimes will fast for months at a time.They also require a higher humidity level which can be a pain to maintain at times without the proper care. King snakes do not require a high humidity level.

As with any snake a certain degree of caution should be maintained at all times. While most king snakes are docile some can be aggressive just like any animal.If you get the snake you should let him be in his set up for a week before handling him.I have a yellow rat snake and he was VERY aggressive. I handled him 5 mins a day until he became use to me.Now I can reach in and pick him up without getting bitten or have him musk me.

If you have other reptiles it is HIGHLY recommened that you wash your hands before handling your king snake as they eat small turtles,lizards and other snakes. Most times a snake will bite you when your hands smell like food,this includes rodents! Depending on the size of the snake depends on the size of the food. Cali kings don't get to big and are actually one of the smaller sized king snakes so adult mice/rat pups would be the largest rodent you would feed them.

Well this is the Kingsnake forum! Corns, Kings, Milks are all easy to care for compared to lots of other snakes. Kings are generally very mild mannered. My personal opinion is that Cal Kings are more prone to musking and biting. My Gray Band is the mellowest snake I have. If you go for a Gray Band, make sure it is feeding on rodents before you buy it. Greg