Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Found this little guy wondering around our lab in Northern VA. Its been raining alot and it doesn't seem to like water. Not aggressive but very defensive, not too keen on being held or touched but doesn't snap or bite either. I went over to the pet store and bought a bag of frozen pinkies and boy did he chow down, ate 2 back to back (thawed of course). First I had to dim the lights a little for him to settle down then it was on... Amazing to watch, the pinkies were at least 3 times the diameter of its mouth!

That is a hatchling Mole kingsnake(Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata).

If you put it in a smaller shoebox sized container with a VERY SECURE lid, a little low tight hide box(black or brown works best) to feel hidden and secure, and aspen or paper towels for substrate it will do real well providing you heat ONE SMALL SECTION ONLY of one end from underneath with a heating pad on low so the enclosure bottom surface temp is in the 82-85 degree range. They need to be able to self-thermoregulate to properly digest their meals.

Good luck with the little guy!..

~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

serpentinespecialties.webs.com

Thanks alot!! I had it narrowed down to Kingsnake but until I heard from you didn't know what kind. Thanks for the prep advice as well. Now to find out whether its male or female. BTW nice specimens on your site, in fact nice site overall, the glossary really came in handy.

Cheers

You're very welcome, and thanks for the kind words on the website!..

Best of luck with it.....

~Doug
-----
"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

serpentinespecialties.webs.com

That's a really nice mole king!! I have a pr. that was found locally. Jeff

Thanks! Never seen a pr in person but i'm sure its pretty nice too. How long have you had it? This is my first one but probably won't be the last.