Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just purchased a yearly pair of Mexican Black Kings and let me start off by saying how impressed I am with their strength and beauty. Now for my question.

The breeder said the male has a very agressive feeding response and will bite if there is any hint of prey item on your hands. They are not big enough to where their bites are a concern, but I still like to avoid (if possible) having any animal's teeth puncture my skin for sanitary reasons. I've also read that when they bite for feeding reasons they hold on which is an added hassle. Up to this point I have only had experience with boas and pythons and I can almost always tell their mood and predict their behavior. When I had the male out he slithered through my fingers for a few minutes and then just bit without a strike or any sign that he was going to do so.

For all of you Kingsnake experts, what tips do you have in regars to the handling or reading of kingsnakes? I feel like a complete beginner again when it comes to handling these guys. One thought I had was to purposely scent my hands and let him bite and go through the process of being doused with cold water so that over time he would learn to associate more than just smell to determine if he is being fed. Just an idea.

My umbrella is out so let your wisdom rain down upon me!

thanks
Jeff

I have a hypo florida king that behaves similar to what you described. Unfortunately I only have one suggestion. I have found that when I have even the slightest hint of hand sanitizer present on my hand while holding him he will not bite. So that may or may not help you. Some kings have strong cannabalistic tendancies so it may be important to sanitize after holding the other snake. Anyhow, best of luck!

Chris J

That's a nice snake you have there! The hand sanitizer is a good idea. I better get used to using it because this guy has one hell of a feeding response.

thanks
jeff

if the snake is smelling a scent goto a hunting store and get a bar of soap that eliminates all odors.

Thanks for the compliment! A little biting may get on your nerves from time to time, but I would much rather have an aggressive feeder than a snake that refuses to feed any day. I think that the alcohol present in sanitizer acts as the repelling agent. I have heard that rubbing alcohol is a good thing to have around when dealing with big constrictors. I do not currently keep any so I have not had an opportunity to put my theory to the test. Anyways, good luck!

Chris J