Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have these two Variable Kings that have this creepy habit of watching me. Don't laugh and no I am not delusional. They stare at me. If I move, their heads move to follow me. I have had them for 2 1/2 years now and they have always done this so I thought I would ask if anyone else has noticed this behavior? None of my other snakes take an interst in watching me go about my business.I almost feel like I should set them up with little cafe tables and journals in their respective tanks. They will also carry their food to the rear corners of their tanks and "take lunch" together (as close as the glass will allow). They are also so polite when they take their food I would swear they were British. I think they take their name a bit too seriously. Dose anyone else have snakes that engage in odd behavior?

...and the behavior you see is not odd for thayeri at all. Variable Kings are wonderful animals, I keep a number of them and their behavior can be quite interesting to say the least. You sound as though you spend a lot of time with them just as I do, studying their behavior for me is a big part of the excitement! Their individual temperments range from being just plain nasty and not wanting anything at all to do with captive care (no matter how much time you spend with them), to individuals being the absolute sweetest and most curious creatures, the majority of them being quite pleasant to have around. It sounds like yours are two of the more pleasant and curious ones. Many of mine will do much the same, comming out to ramble around and watch my every move when I am active in the room, particularly those in display tanks. Like little puppy dogs some of them!

Are yours a male/female pair?

Yes, they are a sexed pair, George and Gracie. And trust me, they pay more attention to me, so it's hard no to notice!I have to say they are the most personable snakes in my collection. They have always been a consumate pair. They have escaped twice while I was away (said snake-sitter has since been fired), and both times they were found together,once in my closet and once in the basement(after 4 mo. of searching).I My friends and I figure they just didn't read the Kingsnake handbook. They are the only kings I have owned as I work mostly with boas, and I picked them up dirt cheap as non-feeders (They ate t/f pink parts for me the same day I got them). The best $15 bucks I ever spent!