Reptile & Amphibian Forums

In a 20 gallon long tank with several hide areas and branches will a scarlet kingsnake venture out much or for the most part a snake that prefers to hide(as a general rule)?
Thanks.
Lia

Say that I have never had a Scarlet, but I have had 4 other species. For the most part, behavior is very similar.

ALL snakes are very secretive; they survive in the wild only by being concealed.

In the vivarium, they like many hidng spots: rocks, ledges, logs and such. They will be out & about at various times, especially after they are comfortable with their surroundings and you (mostly after 3 months or so), but mostly they will be hiding under or behind things most of the time.

When you exercise them outside the vivarium, do so on plants, or on the ground with things they can hide under. They are VERY afraid of being out in the open; raptors are their primary enemies.

Thanks I was looking for a small colorful snake that I would see for the most of the time but guess no such thing.
Thanks again.
Lia

If you are wanting a small and colorful snake to look at I would not start off with a Scarlet being that they are EXTREMELY secretive anyway. Down in Florida in their real home range they can be found inside of rotting logs. Sometimes if you are lucky you might see one out and about in the swamp, but that would be at night. They are common there too. Here in West KY where is it an extended part of their range it is virtually impossible to find one. Only 4 were found EVER...this was in the last 3 years...one being 3 weeks ago.

They are also not the most easiest of snakes to take care of. They tend to be snake/lizard eaters. They are also kind of picky about their food. Some will not take f/t food. Some will. I've heard that they will not eat mice whatsoever. There are plenty of colorful snakes out there that are just as pretty if not more pretty (in my opinion) than a Scarlet King. Milks are a bit secretive, but will venture out more in time. I think Red Milks are really beautiful. I cannot believe they can be found here in West, KY! Anyway...anything L. triangulum sp. (milks) seem to be very colorful and cool snakes. Most are available that will eat mice which is a plus. I don't know about you I don't really like feeding herps other herps.

Greybands are cool, but they require a more arid setup with rocks to hide in (if you are going for the vivaria setup). Unfortunately my professor just lets his sit in tupperware containers. What a waste of beauty!

I think secretive snakes are kind of cool though. Whenever they come out you feel as if you are lucky to see them. I have some brown snakes in a 10 gallon tank. I've found them to be really neat. All that you would want in a colubrid no longer than a foot and all they eat is earthworms and slugs.

Okay done rambling now.
-----
10 Leopard Geckos 4.6.0**
1 Gimpy Leo 0.1
1 Stub Tailed Leo 0.1*
2 Tokay Geckos 2.0.0*
2 Ball Pythons 2.0.0*
1 Black Kingsnake 0.0.1*
1 Baird's Rat Snake (Thanks Vadoni!) 1.0.0*
2 Gray Ratsnakes 0.0.2
3 Dekay's Snake 0.0.3*
1 Bullsnake 0.0.1*
1.0 Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum*
1.1 Green Tree Frogs (H. cinerea)*
1.1 Gray Tree Frog (H versicolor)*
Approximately 20 gray treefrog tadpoles (collected)

*indicates possible breeders
**have bred

Thanks for the info. I live in Miami so lizards which are all over my yard arent hard to come by. I was going to buy a captive bred scarlet but as of now prob wont since the overall opinion is that they hide more than not.
Which ofcourse makes sense. I never had a snake but have jackson chameleons and fire skink. The chameleons are out doors till around Oct and the skink inside in a 30 gallon long tank but all very active.
Thanks.
Lia

You may also consider mountain kings. My pyros have proven to be quite active in their cages. While they still spend ample time in their multiple hides and burrowed in the aspen bedding, they also spend a fair part of the day climbing, exploring, and mountain kinging in general (whatever that is).

The only time they disappear for extended periods is when they are blue. During this time they completely withdraw, write bad poetry, then shed 4-6 days later, after which they're jonesing hard for fuzzies.

Pretty animal, voracious feeder -- typical king hardiness.

Those are great looking snakes but I think its a bit to humid in my area for one plus a 20 might be to small. I like giving them plenty of room.
Do you keep the Arizona mt king?
Lia

Yes, I have two Arizona Mountain Kings. I started mine as hatchlings in 10 gallons in which they thrived. They will be moving into a pair of 3'x 2'x 1.5' "pyro condos" that I am constructing as they reach adult size.

And I would suggest a Tarahumara Mountain Kingsnake. They are drop dead gorgeous, absolutely calm and docile. I've had one for over 2 years. This animal is usually visable in her 20gal long aquarium. She has a half log which she also likes and uses but she seems to take an interest in her surroundings and is available for viewing most of time. The colors on these snakes rival just about any other snake for beauty. And their temperment is unsurpassed for handling. They also enjoy their mice and feed readily.

Knoblochis are on my wish list. Also not only do mtn kings enjoy mice, I find that when given the choice between a juicy fuzzy and a plump fingertip, they'll first opt for the larger fingertip 9 times out of 10. So a hemostat can be handy.