Califor. King Snake

[Stefan-A]

I guess, it's the US we're talking about
of course it might be different in other states, but . . .
when you go to reptile shows here, you're not likely to see much outside the "standard" species alluded to
the thamnophis, nerodia, storeria, heterodon species collectively comprise about 1% of the snakes at the shows, and over half of that would be heterodon, so for most people here none of them would be considered "standard" colubrids

If that's the criteria, then I bet the "standard colubrid" would be the corn snake and then you might as well talk about standard corn snake care.

[guidofatherof5]

I didn't hear back from the lady. She said she was going to run it by her husband first. Thanks for all your comment and advise.

[Lori P]

Steve, I've had two occasions where the wife contacted me to give me a snake, then told her husband and he refused. I think the wives try to find a home first and then hope they can talk hubby into giving it up. Hmph... women... so sneaky!!!

[guidofatherof5]

I'm not going to get into one of those situations. I don't need an angry husband at the door demanding his snake back.

[Charlet_2007]

How did i miss this thread is beyond me..

I take care and rescue everything.. I mean EVERYTHING from the toad some one found out side to the 13 foot albino green Burmese hernia (as Gertie called her lol) AKA Izzy..

King snakes aren't as hard a snake as you'd think to take care of.. We've had our Florida Brooksi King for well over a year now and hes right at 4 1/2 foot.. Fast growers really fast... But with like any other snake they take time..

If you want i can tell you how i have my tank set up guido..

Also heres the thing when someone gives me the snakes I make them sign a release waver.. By them signing it they give up the right of takeing care of said reptile and that way they can't take the reptile back even if they come to your font door and demand it back..

I'd get it noterized by a lawer or go to your bank they do it for hardly nothing or even for free.. and it holds up in court..

You would not beleave how many people do that.. Give you a snake then after you take care of it and get it back to health they come knocking on your door..

Also when you get the snake and/or cage (dont mess with the snake or cage) take pics of everything and i mean EVERYTHING that way if it is in bad heath you have pictures for proof for court if it goes down that road..

I hope this helps..

PS: If all else fails guidofatherof5 I can take it in ..

[guidofatherof5]

You bring up a very important aspect for me to consider. Thanks.

[infernalis]

Steve, We have a couple of snakes that were not on "the wish list" when acquired.

When I found Cain, I had no desires of Ball Python ownership. None nada!

I had no interest, so therefore no study, no knowledge. (All heart, no brain)

I did know this much, My best efforts HAD to be better than this squalor he was living in.

Several of the BP owners on this forum gave me all the guidance, (combined with some research and common sense) I needed, and Cain is a very happy python now.

No regrets whatsoever, and I really have grown rather attached to this big lug of a snake.

Follow what is in your heart, the rest is just education

Some advice, when approached, go pick them up and do not disclose where you live.

[Lori P]

Agreed with the above: always use a cell phone, never disclose where you live, and always get a signed release form. And always pull an animal out of a terrible situation-- because there is plenty of help out there to teach you how to care for it, or a sanctuary to be found. You don't get a second chance to save something.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Agreed with the above: always use a cell phone, never disclose where you live, and always get a signed release form. And always pull an animal out of a terrible situation-- because there is plenty of help out there to teach you how to care for it, or a sanctuary to be found. You don't get a second chance to save something.

This is how I work when I do rescues. The people don't see where I live, they dont get my house number, and they don't get their snake back once it's healthy!

[tyflier]

You can also add Heterodon and Nerodia. Diadophis and Storeria don't seem to be too rare within the hobby, either.

If there are exceptions, it's not a standard at all. It is misleading to talk about standard colubrid care, if it only applies to a certain segment of the family.

Well, Heterodon could be kept following the "standard" guidelines with little issue, IF it is eating pinkies. As a matter of fact, so could most Thamnophis IF they accept pinkies and mice.

Haven't you ever heard the phrase, "There's an exception to every rule"? You have 3 genera of snakes that combined make up less than 3% of the total colubrid species available widely distributed in the pet trade. Than you have 3 or 4 genera that make up about 93%. And you still don't agree it's "standard" or "general"?

The reality is, Pantherophis, Lampropeltis, and Pituophis make up an insurmountable majority of the colubrid snakes available in the pet trade. We're not talking about 51% here...we're talking about 90% or better. Certainly there are other colubrid species available. Those species are not nearly as wide spread in captivity as the "Big Three". And usually, people keeping those species have more than an elementary experience.