Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently adopted a Cali. King Snake. When holding my Cali. King Snake today, she started opening her vent slightly. Is there a reason for this? Is she nervous or is this common for Female King Snakes? She is 4 years old. I've read somewhere that she is farting on me, which snakes do in defense if they feel threatened, it's a precursor to musking a predator, so they open their vents in mimic of musking. Is this a defensive farting? Or she is getting ready to musk on me and if so, what would I see, would it be wet like she is peeing on me or have a strong smell? What does musking mean? What is the diff. between musking or peeing? Or maybe nothing was going to happen to me, maybe she was just mimicing or farting?? Do Snakes Fart? I don't know, all I do know is I put her down quickly so she wouldn't pee/spray/musk on me. Any suggestions? Ever hear of this?

if she does musk you you'll know it! yes it's wet and thick, kinda yellowish. and no it not the same as peeing. It will have a pretty strong odor. you should keep holding her though to let her get used to you, otherwise she'll musk you everytime so you'll put her down. hope this helps