Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[iriechris]

Hi ,


i have just recieved a chocolate and banana King snake, she is a permenant resident of our herp society, She is very skitty and bites occasionally. As i have limited amount of experience with kings i would like to know what the best way to calm her down would be, so she will become more handelable???


All replies are much appreciated!
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Curently Keeping:

Varanus 0.0.1
Rhacodactylus 1.0.0
Uromastyx 1.1.0

[Snowy]

Sounds like a standard californian king like mine, some like to give them fancy names.

Yes kings do settle down after handling but it has to be regular and for the whole of its life as if left for a week or more then they can revert back to a prehandling stage. Though I will say I have not experienced this as there have been times when I haven't been able to handle my snakes for longer than a week. Therefore the only way to settle her down to be handleable is to actually handle her.

Depending on how old/big she is the length of time for settling down will vary younger snakes seem to seetle down quicker than older snakes.

As she has just arrived leave her alone completely for a week to settle in only going into the enclosure to change the water. Then feed her when the week is up, kings are generally very good feeders. Wait a couple of days then try handling her, short periods at first increasing as she gets more used to being handled.

[lovesnakes]

yeah! sounds like a typical king to me

what i do with mine and i have to do this every time!!. . . . . .

when i open the viv' door she thinks she is being fed (even if i've just fed her!!) anyways, just allow her to come to you and sniff your hand, she will then realise there is no food. DO NOT make any sudden movements as this will bring about a spontaneous bite reflex and you'll have a memento for your trouble
to begin with just let her run through your hands a couple of times, just gently raise her of the viv' floor without actually picking her up! this will get her used to your scent and touch.
when confidence grows start to pick her up but keep her by the viv' just in case she bolts!!
remember, try to resist the temptation to grab hold tight if she does bolt, as this will probably bring about another memento

this is of course is just my own experience and no doubt people will have other methods but good luck with her or him!!?

best of luck
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best of luck in the new season