Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have seven li'l baby mex blks that I have hatched. Four have eaten three meals of f/t, no need for live. I have not tried live yet with the three remaining babies, as I do not have easy access to live. However, I wonder, has anyone had any baby mex blks not come around and never feed? What kind of things get baby mex blks going? Headless pinks?? Lizard scent?
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~Katt

I never feed frozen, thawed. For a variety of reasons. Mostly because I think that a Hunter should not be forced to be a Scavanger. It's one joy - and exercise - that we can allow them in captivity.

My hatchling was fed F/T by the pet store, but really likes being able to stalk and constrict now. He's eating more often, too.

I recommend live prey of the width of your snake. It always helps to exercise them about 30 minutes before feeding. I let mine climb plants and crawl around, then place them in the vivarium for feeding. (Have never had a problem, with 5 snakes, across many years. Forget the horror stories and be reasonable.)

If that fails, try a Western Fence Lizard of suitable size.

Horror stories aside, I can not and will not feed live. I have far too many snakes to hang onto various stages of mice. Where would I put them all and I am HIGHLY allergic to mice. In fact, even f/t can give me asthma attacks. As much as I love mmy snakes, I will not go to the hospital again. Not only that, my access to live is quite restricted as the nearest feeder breeder is 1.5 hrs away and there is no bus depot or airport near me.

I brain all my pinks since that seems to get them going. I will try live, as soon as I can get to the feeder breeder (this Friday) but my question is has anyone had a mex blk die from not ever eating? Not starting at all? Thanks.
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~Katt

Last year I purchased a hatchling MBK male. The friend that I was with purchased a female MBK and we planned future breeding sessions. However, my little guy would not feed......period. I tried everything....including the pinkie pump. He also seemed to not want to drink either. I was not surprised when he died. Are your babies drinking?

Have you tried "braining" the f/t pinks? Just poke a small hole in the back of the skull and squeeze a bit of goo out, smearing it down towards the nose. Placing the baby snake and food item in a deli cup (w/air holes) also encourages a feeding response.

If this doesn't do the trick, I would try a live pink. If the snake takes it, in time switch over to very warm f/t. If you still have hold outs, then try lizard scenting. Wash the pink mouse, then rub it on a fence lizard or stick a piece of lizard shed to it.

I have found that reluctant feeders sometimes will feed following a car ride. No, I'm not kidding. I take them along to shows about 2 hours away. When they get home, for some reason several reluctant feeders are ready to eat. Go figure.

These are just some thoughts from my experiences with kingsnake babies in general. My favorite mexi black (who was a reluctant feeder as a hatchling), is now well over 3 feet long and takes several rat pups per feeding as an adult.

Best of luck, and let us know how it goes.
regards,
althea

I breed gray banded kingsnakes which are notoriously difficult to get to feed on their own. I use tails from adult mice that are fed to other animals in my collection. simply cut tail off of adult mouse, lubricate with water and insert into mouth of stubborn hatchlings. The swallowing reflex usually takes over from that point. If the animal does not start to swallow insert the mouse tail just into the throat. This will start the swallowing reflex. I have started numerous gray band hatchlings with this method alone. It may take several mouse tail feedings to get your hatchlings to feed voluntarily. Be patient and persistant.

Best of luck,

TJ Hilliard