Thinking about getting a MBK? Help!!

[hazzaram]

A breeder nearby has one male MBK left and he is gorgeous. They're one of my dream snakes but I'm unsure because of the musking and random biting I've read about. I've never been bit by a snake before and admittedly, I'm afraid of it.

He says this boy is eating very well and tame, but he does musk a little bit when he's picked up. Is that something he'll grow out of?

I know these guys are cannibalistic. Can they be housed in the same space as other snakes or will that make them pissy? I keep all my snakes in the same small room, pretty close together, so after quarantine he'd be with two ball pythons and a brazilian rainbow boa...

What size tub would this guy need?

This is the little guy. He's so gorgeous that he melts my heart...

[bcr229]

I have one - a female - in a rack with other king and milk snakes and she is fine.

They are voracious feeders but the only time mine bit me was because I had been handling mice and she thought my pinky was a pinkie. Even with it being a bite/wrap food response it didn't hurt.

Mine didn't have a musking issue but my milk snake did. Lots of very brief handling sessions eventually taught him that being picked up was a non-event.

[hazzaram]

I have one - a female - in a rack with other king and milk snakes and she is fine.

They are voracious feeders but the only time mine bit me was because I had been handling mice and she thought my pinky was a pinkie. Even with it being a bite/wrap food response it didn't hurt.

Mine didn't have a musking issue but my milk snake did. Lots of very brief handling sessions eventually taught him that being picked up was a non-event.

Is the musking really bad?

With my brb, I wasn't comfortable getting her out of the tub because she got really hissy and pulled into a striking pose. I have to use a hook with her and I probably would with him, too. It takes me a little bit to trust my snakes and I'm a little nervous about him lol.

[Felidae]

Little black beauty

My female never snapping or musking if I handle her, but my male is nasty. He try to get me if I open his tub, and musking a lot when handled. Keep some paper towel in hand, and don't wear your sunday suit. Is not as bad, but can make some mess in your hands.

[hazzaram]

Little black beauty

My female never snapping or musking if I handle her, but my male is nasty. He try to get me if I open his tub, and musking a lot when handled. Keep some paper towel in hand, and don't wear your sunday suit. Is not as bad, but can make some mess in your hands.

The guy says he's pretty tame which is why I want him. I know some can be downright nasty but if he's already tame as a baby, I don't really see that changing unless he's neglected and my snakes are taken care of pretty well lol.

I just don't want to get a MBK and end up not liking him because he keeps musking or biting me. So I'm torn between getting the MBK or just getting another ball. I'm comfortable with those guys since I have two.

[bcr229]

Why not go and handle the little guy to see what he's like? My MBK female never musked and is just a doll to handle, unless your hand smells like rodent.

The milk snake that did musk did it while trying to flee, which made him very difficult to hang on to as he was tiny and would spring out of your hands at every opportunity. He was obviously just scared.

[Prognathodon]

I have a year-old Honduran Milk that I call my juvenile delinquent snake. Musk is pretty strong - a small dose on your hands calls for soap and water, definitely. A couple weeks ago he got my my skirt with a big dose. I held him until he calmed down, then bolted to change clothes.

My husband's baby albino milk is occasionally nippy, and has musked a bit, but it hasn't been too bad - I think because he's more scared. My Honduran ... He's just plain ornery (the guy I got him from suggested he'll still grow out of it with age and regular handling)

Definitely meet and handle the snake, see if he seems nervous, or cranky.


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[EL-Ziggy]

MBK's are beautiful snakes. My girl was a little flighty in the beginning but she doesn't bite or musk. She did strike at me once during a feeding but it was my fault. My Cal King would musk a little when he was younger but that's about it in terms of defensive behavior. Your guy looks young so any potential bites wouldn't hurt much at all. If he is a little nippy just put on a glove and let him do his thing. Eventually he'll realize it's not doing any good and he should stop. Best wishes.

[hazzaram]

Why not go and handle the little guy to see what he's like? My MBK female never musked and is just a doll to handle, unless your hand smells like rodent.

The milk snake that did musk did it while trying to flee, which made him very difficult to hang on to as he was tiny and would spring out of your hands at every opportunity. He was obviously just scared.

Well, the guy is going to drive an hour to bring him to me on Wednesday. I'll see the little guy then but he'll be stressed out from the ride so I can't judge him on that. I don't want to make this guy drive him here and then not take him and make him drive an hour back =\

[hazzaram]

MBK's are beautiful snakes. My girl was a little flighty in the beginning but she doesn't bite or musk. She did strike at me once during a feeding but it was my fault. My Cal King would musk a little when he was younger but that's about it in terms of defensive behavior. Your guy looks young so any potential bites wouldn't hurt much at all. If he is a little nippy just put on a glove and let him do his thing. Eventually he'll realize it's not doing any good and he should stop. Best wishes.

I was thinking about getting a pair of gloves. I would only use them until I'm used to him. I think it'll help me bond with him because I won't be nervous while holding him. I just need time to get used to him lol. I think that's a good idea. I'll pick up a pair of soft leather ones or something.