Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

I just have a couple questions about a young Mexican Black Kingsnake I just got. Any info you have would be great...

* The female I just got is probably only a couple/few months old and has quite a bit of white speckling on her belly. Is that permanent or will that fade with age?

* The gentleman I got her from was gracious enough to include a free meal for her with my purchase - that is: another snake (a ratsnake)! I've never done this before (fed a snake to a snake) - but in this instance I sort of have to, as I can't keep the 'prey' snake as a pet. They look almost the same size (my MBK is 22g and the 'prey' is 14g) - so, just how big of a snake can a kingsnake put down (relative to it's own size)? And is there any chance that my new MBK will get 'hooked' on snakes and start refusing rodents if I do this?

Thanks very much for any info you can give,
- Mark

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The white specks usually fade. Is your Mexican Black eating mice or is he only eating snakes. If he is eating pinky mice then I would keep him on that and don't feed him the snake. Also if he is only eating snakes then what will you do after you feed it this one? I think you should put the feeder snake in the freezer and use it for scenting if you have to.
Jeff

Jeff,

I hadn't thought of that (freezing it to use for scenting in the future if I have to). Of course, I would put it down first using CO2 asphyxiation, then freeze it. Still, I feel bad, having to put down a snake, regardless of what kind it is. Looks like I'm just going to have to get tough for a moment.

Thanks very much, this sounds like a very good idea.
- Mark

>>The white specks usually fade. Is your Mexican Black eating mice or is he only eating snakes. If he is eating pinky mice then I would keep him on that and don't feed him the snake. Also if he is only eating snakes then what will you do after you feed it this one? I think you should put the feeder snake in the freezer and use it for scenting if you have to.
>>Jeff