Kingsnake keepers-- a little help please???

[RZL36]

Roy Munson is single handedly (well not really, but pun intended), giving some good info. I agree with Loren on the handling thing. Keep the stress to a bare minimum.

[Lori P]

Thanks to everyone again for the great tips!! This is an interesting snake... one thing about her is, she is not at all shy, which is why I felt comfortable handling her-- she is always out and about in the tank, she will crawl right into your hand, and I was of the thinking that if I have to hold her to force feed at some point, I wanted her used to the handling. She is rarely in her hides, which is interesting too. And here's something from this morning-- I was walking by her tank and ran my finger along the top. She was stretched out along the front of the tank, like usual, and-- she suddenly lunged at my finger moving along the top!!!! So, quick like a bunny, I thawed a pinky and dangled it... and she was SUPER interested, tracked it, tongue going, right up until she got close enough to touch it--- and then she lost interest. But hey, that was pretty good, right?? Showing that kind of interest??

I wish I'd have taken the time to scent it with one of the garters. And I will try to find a live pinky this weekend-- I just have no idea where!

[garterking]

Thanks to everyone again for the great tips!! This is an interesting snake... one thing about her is, she is not at all shy, which is why I felt comfortable handling her-- she is always out and about in the tank, she will crawl right into your hand, and I was of the thinking that if I have to hold her to force feed at some point, I wanted her used to the handling. She is rarely in her hides, which is interesting too. And here's something from this morning-- I was walking by her tank and ran my finger along the top. She was stretched out along the front of the tank, like usual, and-- she suddenly lunged at my finger moving along the top!!!! So, quick like a bunny, I thawed a pinky and dangled it... and she was SUPER interested, tracked it, tongue going, right up until she got close enough to touch it--- and then she lost interest. But hey, that was pretty good, right?? Showing that kind of interest??

I wish I'd have taken the time to scent it with one of the garters. And I will try to find a live pinky this weekend-- I just have no idea where!

Lori,
That is good news that she is interested, and by the sounds of things, if she's out hunting, she's hungry. To me the problem sounds like she just doesn't know what to do with food that's in front of her. I think you might have to force her again. Or at least get her mouth open with the pinkie inside, and hopefully she'll catch on and do the rest. Keep us updated.

[Loren]

Hi Lori, sounds like she was interested till she smelled it. Sometimes dead just dont cut it. I would definitely try a live pinky. Get the smallest one they have. If she dont take it, leave it in there overnight.

[RZL36]

If the live pink doesn't work, just force-feed two pinks. Eventually it will eat, just make sure that it gets something in it every two weeks.

I really hope the live pink works though. From what I've read, some kings-literally-never eat after birth unless forced.

[Lori P]

SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She ate a live pinky-- no, no, she ATTACKED a live pinky before I could even BLINK!!!!!!

Unbelievable-- I've never seen anything move so fast in my life!!! There was no smelling, no hesitation, the poor little thing had barely left my fingers before it was just GONE!!!!!

I can't say I feel great... I'm not over the live pinky thing... the little guys are so darn... well... cute and alive! They have their heads up and they're scooting around and whimpering--- aaaaarrrrrrgh, the two that are left want their momma. This is very hard for me. I tried to buy the momma and the babies, so I could put any left back with momma, but they wouldn't sell her. I know you guys are over this kind of thing, and you must think I'm a nut, but this is very hard for me.

But I know, I know, I chose to get the snake. But.... I was hoping she'd eat f/t... and hopefully soon she will-- right???? RIGHT?????

Anyway... I am very very glad that Desdemona FINALLY ate something on her own and I hope we can move on from here. Oh, I also bought a little grass lizard to try that if the pinkies didn't work, so now I think I own a grass lizard. lol I have NO idea how to care for him, I'm calling the store back now. Geeeeeez what a day!!!!

[RZL36]

Great success and good deal Lori.

Good call Loren.

[Lori P]

Yes, Loren, and everyone-- thanks for talking me thru this all. Certainly couldn't have done it without you all!!!! Thanks for being patient with all my questions, and for offering up all your experience and advice. You all rock!!!!!

[Loren]

Great news Lori. I would figure on feeding it live for 2 or 3 feedings, then try frozen thawed, but you could try a frozen thawed next meal if you want. Another option is to feed her a live pink again in a week or 2, and if she takes it, follow it (as soon as the first one is in her belly)with a second one, this time frozen thawed, while she is in "feeding mode". Make sure you get the smallest pinks you can so you dont overload her if she takes them both. Most kings will switch fairly easy after a few meals, but not all. Make sure anything frozen thawed is up to body temp, or even alittle warmer- not just thawed.

[adamanteus]

Well done, Lori. It is hard the first time you have to feed live prey, but you do harden to it in time. Great news that Desdemona ate foluntarily though.