Great seeing all the posts lately regarding speckled kings. I have been acquiring a collection of speckled kings for about five years now and really enjoy working with holbrooki. The variability of the speckled kings equals/rivals that of the Eastern kings.
I noted the discussions regarding hatchling speckled kings supposed reputation for being difficult to get to feed as well as speckled kings being overly aggressive/defensive. In my experiences, these characteristics can be shared by any of the getula complex. The holbrooki are no different and, as with most colubrids are highly variable with regard to defensive behavior and feeding preferences. For instance, several years ago I hatched out two clutches of speckled kings; both locality specific to LaFourche Parish, Louisiana. The hatchlings from one clutch took pinkies from the start. The hatchlings from the other clutch were very reluctant to feed on newborn mice and had to be started by scenting the pinks with lizards.
I've also hatched out Lincoln Cty, Kansas locality speckleds for several years and this locality has never refused newborn mice.
I have the following locales of speckled kings: Texas/ Brazoria, Brazos, Fayette, Harris and Galveston counties. Kansas/ Johnson and Lincoln counties. Louisiana/ Richland and LaFourche Parishes.
I'm very encouraged by the fact that others are interested in the locality "normal" phase speckled kings. Their bad reputation (in my opinion) is certainly undeserved and they are great kings to work with. From the bright yellows of Texas to the white/yellows of Louisiana to the black/white in the Mississippi Delta, the speckled kings are beautiful in all of their natural color phases.
I am always interested in corresponding with others with an interest in locality specific speckled kings. Drop me a line if you are interested in chatting more about speckled kings or locality kings in general.
Brad Bauserman

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