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Hi there:

Several days ago I sent out a money order for a scarlet kingsnake. I just got a response from the seller saying that he has recieved the money order, and is shipping it off tomorrow! On Thursday, I will have a scarlet kingsnake! I am so excited.
I was looking for a tricky snake that did not need much room. I am really looking for a challenge, and this is just what I wanted! A picture of the snake was posted. It looks spectacular! According to the ad, it is an adult male, 18 inches long, wild-caught from central Florida. He is guaranteed to eat pinkies. I am very excited about its arrival.
Most people say kingsnakes make great pets, but in general I think they are referring to California kings. From what I've read, these guys are right up there with ringnecks and pine woods snakes as far as care goes. I plan to feed it vitamin dusted pinkies, and I have several types of lizards and small snakes that I can use for SCENTING PURPOSES ONLY! So, do you think I made a good choice?
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DAVE

1.0 Western green toad
1.1 green treefrogs
1.0 Florida blue garter snake
1.0 brown Anole
1.0 Mediterranean gecko
1.1 Oriental fire-bellied toads
1.0 American bullfrog
1.0 Spanish ribbed newt
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1.1 Eastern ribbon snakes
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1.0 yellow * Everglades rat snake intergrade
1.0 Western hognose snake
1.0 fire salamander
1.0 scarlet kingsnake

Hmm I don't know, alot of people told me a scarlet kingsnake would be a bad choice, but those same people would also say ringnecks make bad pets....

I got lucky my first time around in keeping SK, I had mine eating the day that I got it. You don't really need to dust the pinky mice with any vitamins, pinky mice are nutrious enough without it, and a SK would do good on unscented mice, IF it was taking them in the first place.

If it doesn't take food within a week after you get it, ask people in the kingsnake forum for help. Don't be afraid to use other animals for food, such as lizards and snakes, when keeping small terrestrial snakes that are noted as difficult feeders, work around it or give them what they want(and any SK would take a lizard or snake without much hesitation). I don't judge people that use snakes and lizards as food. Simply because I use both of those as herp foods frequently. Good luck with it.

Michael
Michael's Place

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Michael_Fedzen@hotmail.com
www.freewebs.com/mikesnake

Scarlets are not very good snakes for the beginner. if it is not allready established on mice (and being W/C?)that is unlikely, it can be a bear. The best food to offer a w/c is small skinks and then work them to pinkies by scenting.

Keep in mind that SK's are small nervous snakes that spend a lot of time hiding under things.

I do find your "rare" description a bit humerous as they were not rare here in S. Fla. before the building boom.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."