Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Whats the best way to acclimate a WC adult king? Is there any meds to give to rid the snake of parasites or is that even necessary?

Thanks,
Dan

I would take the snake to the vet to check for parasites. Usually mites are visible if you look real close. Signs of internal parasites may be evident in your snake's feces (segments of tapeworms, etc.). But your best bet is a vet. I would keep him away from other snakes you own for a couple of months and wash your hands after handling him (a quarantine period).
It seems to me that Kings adapt to captivity fairly well. After you get them eating, the care is like any other kingsnake. The one wild-caught that I own loves to be handled.

Greg

I have never bought into the parasite and quarantine issue. Over the years Iv'e had many wc kings, milks, rats never had aproblem. I have a wc eastern king going on 20yrs. now still healthy. Never been checked for parasites never will be. Besides snake mites are not native to our country anyway.

>>Besides snake mites are not native to our country anyway.

I'm surprised to hear that. I've caught black racers with hundreds of mites on them, most conspicuous between the scales on the chin, around the eyes, and in clusters between scales on other parts of the body. If not snake mites, then....?

terry

I am also surprised. Stsrted collecting 30yrs. ago, never seen a mite on a local snake. When I first got into the hobby I was told by an expreinced herper in my area that was impoting and exporting, did educational shows that the snake mite was not native to this country. The only way you would get mites was from a import. As far as internal parasites I have never had any wc checked. They do great, infact the one Iv'e had for 20yrs is almost 6ft. eats like a pig. All the others that I gave away to friends are still doing great, most are captive now around 5yrs. Stoped collecting now, too many houses being built, drove them away. Anything I get on line or at a show I do check for mites and have had to treat and quarantine. But never WC.

Terry, I've found racers with lots of red mites(or whatever) on them, but never a snake mite. I haven't seen anything but ticks (rarely at that) on locals either. Anyway, I'd still use a quarantine time to check them over and "wash" them off as well.
I paid dearly for introducing a (fresh)wc king to one of my females 2 yrs. ago. Lost them both.
:Mark