Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Could you elaborate on the temperment of the Durango Mountain, the Tarahumara, the Queretaro and/or the Variable Kingsnakes.

I've heard that some species are more skittish than others and tend to deficate, stress out and even bite when handled.

I've also noticed some produce a stink when handled.

My Cal King as a baby stunk when I got him, he also deficated on me when I was trying to get some pics. He is fine now, -- I've had him almost 3 months, he eats like a pig and is growing SO fast. My corn snake doesn't get handled enough and now as an adult he is real flighty and frustrating to handle. My Mexican Black Kingsnake will hang around my neck all day and be happy.

I recently bought a few Knoblochi and am planning on breeding them. Now I realize I can't seem to find any literature on them. My one friend has 2 Knobs and they are totally cool. I would always handle them and never had a problem. I'm hoping I choose a good snake to breed as "pet's". I know as with any animal the more you handle them the better they are.

Well I'm totally in love with the Greeri now. I'm thinking of getting some hatchlings this year.

And some of the pics I've seen of the Variable! Man those would be so fun to breed but how do they handle as pet's?

Thanks,
ChubbaBubba

Too make a long story short, I would say if you're happy with your Cal King that any of the others you mention will be fine as pets. Breeding them may be a little more challenging but as far as temperment they're all known to be mellow for the most part. Any snake of any kind can be flighty, musk or bite....but Mexicana are usally calm captives. Especially as adults. Tom Stevens

I agree with Tom.....If you can handle a musky little, snapping caliking then you can handle any Mexicana. They lose their jumpiness quickly if handled a few weeks or so. I have never had a Mexicana bite me. I have been bit several times by my calkings and brooksi. And yes, breeding is a little more challenging, but feeding hatchlings is the most trying part......I got that figured out though. LOL
If you were to get one make sure it is from a reputable breeder to make sure it is not a cross of any sort, also make sure it is feeding well.....Good breeders will not steer you in the wrong direction.
Good Luck,
John Lassiter

I can only vouch for the knobs. I have a young pair. They are my first kings(other than the cal king I had for about a week before I got the male knob). The female musked me every time I took her out for wiegh-ins, feedings and cage cleanings. But since she put some more size on her she quit. Wasn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be anyhow. Never have bit, or hissed, or gotten aggressive at all. And to top it off they are gorgeous!
Roxanne

Post the Knobs!
Todd

My photo site doesn't allow me to show the pics here.. so you will have to follow the link to see my pair..

Roxanne

my herp pictures