Seeking MBK tips and advice

[Bogertophis]

It's been a "few years" since I raised c/b MBK's, but they're one of my favorite king snakes, & excellent colubrids overall. Babies move FAST- sit down to handle low to ground or furniture so they don't fall from height, or they can get injured/even die from such a fall. But you don't start off by handling these tiny babies!

Be patient, hatchlings are tiny & scared to death- remember, you're a GIANT. All hatchlings have much to fear- they're prey at that size, not so much predators. Give them some time to grow & learn to trust you first, feeding is Job #1, not handling or "taming". They can musk in defense, I don't recall them being bad about that at all, but all snakes have their own personalities. In any case, they'll out-grow that phase once they learn you're harmless. Their mouth is too small for you to even FEEL a bite from a hatchling, which is why they defend themselves from the "other end"!

I always used UTH & a fluffy substrate (like Carefresh, etc) since they love to burrow & will feel safer. Several small hides (warm & cool) are needed too, but these are not difficult to raise. Just be patient while they grow up some- & since they're only big enough to eat pinky mice, their growth is slow for quite some time, even though it seems like they eat a lot- pinkies aren't that nourishing. I didn't usually use a "basking spot" btw, just UTH, except maybe in winter.

I should mention that I'm not into BPs- I've had a number of them in the past, but I'm far more into colubrids (rat snakes & all) because they're more active & interesting to me. I like snakes that know how to eat, without me using a hairdryer on their food, & begging them. King snakes are fun to feed- when your MBK grows up some, you'll want to be using feeding tongs & make sure they don't confuse you with prey, as they can be aggressive eaters. Docile to handle though, & just beautiful snakes, a nice size too. Excellent choice for a pet. I don't think you'll need to "cover their heads" lol, just learn the difference between 'curious' & 'feeding time'!

Reminder: tiny active colubrids are great escape artists! Make SURE there are no gaps in your housing...they can get out of a gap that's only .25"- cage tops MUST fit tightly, they have nothing better to do than find ways out.

Hint: when afraid, these snakes keep moving, trying to leave your hands. When they grow up some, & learn to relax & accept you as "safe" they show that by slightly hanging onto you, instead of "slip-sliding away".