Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a new Mexican Black Kingsnake.
The old owners couldnt keep him because he would bite when you tried to get him out.They lived next door to me and I volunteered to take it.
I have gotten it out 4 times in the past week and it has only tried to bite me once.I was wondering if anyone had some tips on getting it out.
Also does anyone know any good websites for info on these snakes?
Thanx!

Do you have a snake hook? How is it fed? If it is fed in its cage, sometimes they associate opening the cage with feeding. I don't always feed mine outside the cage. I have a corn that strikes at me during feeding time. If you use a hook, it will probably be ok once it is out of its cage, but it is not a guarantee. Derek

I had a problem cal king that would always bite when it was removed from its cage. What worked for me was wearing gloves when it was removed from it's cage, then I'd remove the gloves once it was out and calm. Eventually, it got used to being removed and now gloves are no longer needed. Also, feeding it in the cage may make it more likely to bite when it is removed.

Good luck,
Tim

Mexican Black you say. Is it all black or brown stripe down the back? (nigrita, nitida, or conjuncta?). Kings have a killer feeding response. I agree with the others on here. Feeding out of the cage will help. Also every single time you pass the cage take an over mit and touch the snake with the mit. It will soon learn that the lid opens for all sorts of crazyness and not just when it is time to eat. Snakes tend to think lids opening means feeding time if that is the only time thier owners open up thier tanks. They learn, can't blaim them for that.