Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I had a (what I hope to be) a recued ribbon snake, I think when my friend "captured it" it must have sustained an internal injury because it had a large lump. I was hoping it was a meal but it never went down and about a week later the snake died. Not wanting to waist protein, I froze the snake for a week. I thawed the ribbon snake and offered it to my Florida King and my Eastern. Both snakes refused to eat the Ribbon. I have never offered them snakes before. I just assume instinct would take its course but go figure.

Thanks,
Miller
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1.1 Florida King
1.0 Eastern Kings
1.0 Black Milksnake
1.0 Chow Chow
0.2 Cats

Have you ever smelled ribbon snake musk??/ Nothing eats them unles they are starving. Also most snake eaters won't eat most kealed scaled snakes for some reason.
Later Jason

...Nope,can't say that I have. lol Anyway, the Eastern is the males '04 I got from you that is my favorite snake, he is AWESOME! I will give the ribbon snake a burial then.

Thanks,
Miller
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1.1 Florida King
1.0 Eastern Kings
1.0 Black Milksnake
1.0 Chow Chow
0.2 Cats

Jason, I was thinking about your answer after my initial response to you. Aren't most rattle snakes keeled? If so, are the kings turned off by the smell or the scales?

Thanks,
Miller
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1.1 Florida King
1.0 Eastern Kings
1.0 Black Milksnake
1.0 Chow Chow
0.2 Cats

Haveing never gotten into feeding snakes much I would only be guessing. I do know from my trying to keep WC south florida mole kings that where only snake eaters. Ribbons and garters are not very high on the list of edible snakes for these snakes. In fact I never had one eaten and a friend of mine said the same for corals as well. His corals wouldn't take them or yellow rats but would relish red rats. King Cobras will refuse garters and ribbons but will take water snakes that are keeled so I would guess it is the smell. Really I don't know that much about it so as I said I am guessing.
Thanks Jason

Would the same go for garters?

In my few times of trying yes but I have seen post with people feeding them to other snakes. Please understand I have only tried a few times and that was because I had no choice with mole kings or was collecting DORs for a friend. I am sure others will have way more info to offer. Oh yeah I would stay away from garters in South Florida because of the cane toads they eat. I have no idea if our kings can take the toxin and I would think there is some left over for some time in the garters.
Later Jason