Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had my kingsnake a little over a year so he's about two years old now. He is the meanest snake I have ever come in contact with. I've tried holding him and talking to him or whatever I've heard of that helped to calm him down but nothing is working. This is my first snake, and my family is mad at him too because they didn't want me to have a snake in the first place and now that I have one no one can hold him because he's so aggressive. I'm thinking of either giving him up for a bearded dragon or iguana, or are there places anyone knows of where I can trade for another snake? I love kingsnakes, I just don't feel this is the right one for me. Any reply would be GREATLY appreciated.
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~Shana~

All snakes have their own personalities and temperments. Most Kingsnakes will settle and allow handling and some even seem to enjoy the outing. Some, however, are determined to not cooperate. One of the first things I always wonder about is this.....How large is the snake and what and how often is he feeding? I've seen some that were just plain hungry and stayed cranky because of that. You probably need to double check the temperatures in his cage. And also make sure he feels secure with hides available and not stresses coming from all sides. Also, is he "mean" when you go to pick him up? How about when you actually have him in your hand? Sometimes a hook can make removing the snake from his enclosure so much easier. After you have lifted him from his tank then you can carefully use your hand for support. These are just suggestions and not meant to be critical in any way. Handling my snakes is an important part of my keeping them. I'm sure others here will have more suggestions and comments for you. Good luck.

He's a California Kingsnake, of either the designer white or high white type... if you want to see him he's named Helaman under the pictures a ways back. I think he's gorgeous and if I can keep him I will. He's a little over two feet right now. I feed him once a week, every Saturday, a f/t fuzzy. One time I fed him two fuzzies and he ate both with no problem, but I didn't know if that was too much because I heard if you feed them too much their stomachs will rot. He gets up to about 80 degrees during the day and down to 75 at night. I pick him up with a pen, then I just grab his middle with my hand and he freaks out at that, and he never settles down while I'm holding him. He doesn't have a problem seeing people while he's IN his cage though. I really appreciate your reply.
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~Shana~

I pick him up with a pen, then I just grab his middle with my hand and he freaks out at that, and he never settles down while I'm holding him>>>>

Try gently lifting him with both hands under his body. Don't "Grab" him,just let him move thru your fingers while supporting his weight.If you are afraid of getting bitten,wear gloves or use a pillowcase over each of your hands.

Another trick is to drop a papertowel over him and then pick up from the sides with your hands,coming down on top with your hand usually frightens snakes.
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Lloyd Heilbrunn

Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.

I have been bitten before and I know it doesn't hurt, there's just still that fear of it and I don't know why, prolly the shock. I think a lot of my concern is still my family though, since I'm trying to prove to them that reptiles aren't bad and this guy isn't helping so much.
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~Shana~

Ive got a king that doesnt like to be picked up either. However, he has a rock cave that he goes into and I can drop him out of that onto my hand and then his is calm, but you cannot pick him up. The cave is the one that sticks to the glass from the outside so that you can remove the outside piece to see him in his hiding spot. I pick it up and let him drop out into my hand. Ive had other snakes sit in dry water bowls and I can pull out the water bowl and when the snake looks for an escape from you, he can crawl into your hands and be calm.

Do you think this tactic would work if you scooped the snake up with heavy cardboard or something?
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~Shana~

That sounds like it may work. Let the snake crawl off of the cardboard onto your hands on his own. Once in your hands just allow him to move on his own through your fingers.