I need advice on a king snake we found in the yard

[anatess]

We found this baby king snake in the neighbor's front yard (we live in NE Florida). We have a rule in the house that everything we bring home from outside have to be let go before dinner time. But, my kids are begging me and begging me to let them keep the snake for a pet. We currently only have 3 ball pythons and a western hognose. I have not researched husbandry for king snakes. The kids are very very good to the snakes. Even more so than the dog (requires much more attention - so they sometimes drag their feet when it's time to walk him). So, I don't mind them having one more snake.

But, as it is a snake caught from outside, is it advisable to keep him for a pet? He is a baby - only about 8 inches or so and ten times skinnier than a baby ball python. Not even sure what he would eat - a pinky would be too big, I think. I let the kids keep him overnight, but I need to make a decision before dinner time tomorrow.

Thanks for your help on this.

[wilomn]

Scarlet kings are notoriously poor eaters out of the wild. They prefer skinks or anoles to pinks.

That one is kind of skinny and could probably use a soak.

I'd recommend letting that one go and keeping a nice Florida king instead.

[Jason Bowden]

I think I would let it go. You might try keeping it for a week or so. But if it doesn't eat in that time, I'd definately let it go.

[djansen]

is that a king or milk snake? what does the head look like?

and why not at least try to feed it a pink? if it takes it then keep it, if not let it go. Then your kids would have good reason to let it go.

another option is to go to one of your many reptile shows or shops you have in FL (lucky you) and pick up a nice CB one for pretty cheap.

[anatess]

I'm pretty sure it's a scarlet king... only because they live in Florida. The head right now is like an earthworm's - not very different from the rest of his body - except for the eyes.

Okay, I let the kids keep him for a week and try to feed it a pink. If it eats, good. If not, he's going back outside. Thanks for the advice, guys!