Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am keeping various subspecies of L zonata. I have seen other people refer some snakes being afflicted with something called Mountain King Syndrome. I have been unable to find any information as to what this syndrome is. My snakes are all doing well but I want to learn about anything I should be keeping an eye out for. Can anyone shed some light on what MKS is?

Thanks,
Randy
Firehouse Herps

I havent heard of that, but I have heard of zonata disease. Skin becomes rough and dry and the snake goes though repeated shed cycles and becomes dehydrated. Partial paralysis may occur at the lower third of the body and the snake may arch its back when slithering. Moist conditions may increase survival. agalma seems to be the most prone to the disease, and it seems to spead. Temperature and moisture seem to be related to the disease.

Source: Reptiles magazine Jan 2002

Good luck with your zonatas! Those are the most beautiful snakes in the world!

There are many unknowns re this "disease" but likely causes are a bacteria or virus that gets out of control when one or more of the following conditions exist:

1) Animals are kept too warm during the year (most common mistake with mountain kings)

2) Animals are kept too dry or have no source of a moist hide.

3) Animals are kept in too much humidity (i.e. not enough ventilation.)

My thoughts are that mtn kings need a dry cage with a moist hide (moist for 3-4 out of 7 days or so a week), reasonable ventialtion and a basking spot of 82-84 deg in one area but the rest of the cage cooler, especially at night.

These are suggestions. I've raised and kept a few types of zonata and haven't had trouble following the cage guidelines above.
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Mark

Would spraying the snake every few days help with moisture? That way, the cage stays dry but the snake can still have moisture. If thats not a good idea, how do you make a moist hide without disturbing them?

Do they ever sit in the water bowl?

Simply take an appropriately-sized plastic container, cut a hole in the lid or side (lid is easier) and put in lots of damp sphagnum moss. Put this container in the snake's cage. Let the moss dry out for a few days before dampening again. Mountain kings (pyro, zonata, ruthveni, etc) love this type of hide, especially babies. Just make sure that the snakes do not sit in dampness always, which is why you let the moss dry out for a few days.

Does this prevent the famed zonata disease? Don't know. I just know my few mtn kings have done great kept this way.
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Mark