Kingsnake temperment

I was looking into getting a Cali. Kingsnake. I have read that they can be nippy. I wasn't sure if this was due to poor handling or if it was a natural thing for them. I remember a friend of mind hand a kingsnake when we were younger but I don't remember it being aggressive she held it all the time. Just wanted to get some opinions from people who actually own them not a generic site.

Thanks!

I don't own a kingsnake, but I do have a milksnake. She's very flighty and wiggly when held, but has never tried to bite or offered any body language suggesting she might.

I've handled a lot of different kingsnakes, and as mature individuals, they have almost always been very "chill". As babies or juvies, they are likely to be more inclined toward nippiness because they are so small and vulnerable. But even then, I've seen some baby kingsnakes that are not the least bit defensive when handled gently and confidently.

I would just suggest that if you want to get one...don't just buy one off the internet sight-unseen. Go to a local herp show where you can find many different individuals to choose from, and handle them and talk with their breeders until you find the one with a temperament and look that you're happy with. :)

Thanks Judy, I didnt want to order one online, I like to meet my snake before I buy it since I do this to keep them as pets not for breeding. I was thinking trying the pet store that I get my live feeders from because I think they breed their own and they take really good care of their animals. I just wasn't sure if thats what I should expect from all king snakes or if that was just a snake to snake thing based on their owners

Thanks again.

I just ordered a California King (desert banded) from BHB. Great little snake.

However, every king I have ever had went through a nippy stage at around a year or so old. And they like to chew. My Nelson Milk has never shown this, and she is 3 years old.

Not all will go through this stage, and most out grow it. Kings are beautiful snakes, with their smooth, shiny scales. And they eat like starving piranhas.

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Originally Posted by knox

However, every king I have ever had went through a nippy stage at around a year or so old. And they like to chew. .

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Does that mean until an year or after a year? Sorry I just have kids and I really do not want to risk them getting bit because I was ill prepared.

At about a year old they started. Now, it is more of a nuisance than anything because they certainly can't do any damage. And again, not all Kings will do this. I think I just got "lucky" with the 3 I have had in the past.

Don't let this turn you off from Kings, though. They can be fantastic pets. I just wanted to give you all sides of the story. A member of another forum I frequent has a King that bites him almost every time it is held, yet several others in his collection never have bitten.

This is the risk you take with ANY snake, be it Ball Python, Corn, or King.

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Originally Posted by knox

At about a year old they started. Now, it is more of a nuisance than anything because they certainly can't do any damage. And again, not all Kings will do this. I think I just got "lucky" with the 3 I have had in the past.

Don't let this turn you off from Kings, though. They can be fantastic pets. I just wanted to give you all sides of the story. A member of another forum I frequent has a King that bites him almost every time it is held, yet several others in his collection never have bitten.

This is the risk you take with ANY snake, be it Ball Python, Corn, or King.

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Oh I completely agree it is a risk you take. Luckily my two ball pythons are super sweet and chill. My Burmese was the same way! I just wanted to know what I was getting myself into before I went and got one

Well, I've only had a few thousand calkings over the years so take this as you will.

They are often feisty when young, hissing and musking and striking. It's pretty funny when you come to know just how harmless it all is.

I don't think I've ever had one that did not calm down. They do make some of the best pets, you just have to understand them.

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Originally Posted by wilomn

Well, I've only had a few thousand calkings over the years so take this as you will.

They are often feisty when young, hissing and musking and striking. It's pretty funny when you come to know just how harmless it all is.

I don't think I've ever had one that did not calm down. They do make some of the best pets, you just have to understand them.

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haha thanks. No I completely understand why they would act that way I'm sure I would be the same way if I were them. I just wanted to know what I was going to be getting myself into before I got there lol

Thanks again to everyone for the responses

My experience with Kings has them as nervous , musky, and somewhat nippy as juvies, but mellowing out as they get older. They are in my opinion one of the nicest snakes I've every owned once they grow somewhat. Of course reading the snake works wonders as well.