Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have bought 3 baby kings at the daytona show. I have had older kings for years that where problem free snake feeders. This is my second year in a row trying to keep baby kings. All 3 have refused baby corns. They are all very healthy looking and aggressive. After the aggravation of trying to find snakes for bigger kings , I decided that I would like to get these guys on rodents. Any suggestions on feeding these guys? Should I start force feeding them pinks? I do not want to loose these guys. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

You mention that you have had "had king cobras for years". Does this mean that you don't have them any more? If not, why? Just curious. Force feeding will usually result in extremely stressed snakes and with kings, it is even more pronounced due to their already high strung behavior. Typically, you will need to get them started on snakes/live snakes. Having spoken to some who have a knack for getting kings on to rodents, scenting becomes a very important technique....along with patience and diligence. The key right now is to allow the kings to settle into their new home and get them feeding on natural prey asap. I have scented a live snake with rodents after a few initial snake-only meals. Eventually, and, in time, they can be weaned on to a rodent only diet....but not all kings will switch to this type of feeding regimen. If you had reservations about providing snakes to your kings, you may have considered something else. Good luck though.

Rob (PS: I am making a lot of assumptions with this post in providing advice; a) you are the proper age, b) you have the proper experience level, c) you keep your own antivenin, d) you have the proper security measures and facilities)

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>I have bought 3 baby kings at the daytona show. I have had older kings for years that where problem free snake feeders. This is my second year in a row trying to keep baby kings. All 3 have refused baby corns. They are all very healthy looking and aggressive. After the aggravation of trying to find snakes for bigger kings , I decided that I would like to get these guys on rodents. Any suggestions on feeding these guys? Should I start force feeding them pinks? I do not want to loose these guys. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Hey Rob,
I have been keeping and breeding cobras for years. I am a permited florida venomous keeper. I sold my big kings last year and I am getting back into them. All my big kings fed on snakes and that got very expensive. I am concerned that waiting around for these guys to eat snakes I am going to lose them. I hate force feeding ,but I feel if I don't do something quick I am going to lose them. To be honest I was always against feeding rodents to kings , I just can't deal with the expense and time locating feeders. I would like to be able to feed them the same way I feed all my other cobras, just toss in the thawed out rat and walk away.
Regards,
Jeremy

I realize this reply is a bit late, but FYI, when worrying about non-feeders, a 10% loss in weight means time for intervention. (force or assist feeding). In neonates, don't wait for the whole 10%, but with stressed out hots, perhaps stretch out the whole 10%. Use your best judgement also based on their mentality (lethargic or bright and alert).

Ian