Tell me about MBKs!

[fergie]

Ok, a milestone is reached!! My dear companion, Ari, has decided that he wants his own snake! This would be only his second pet, ever.

At first he wanted an Indigo... Yeah Right. So then I showed him pix of Mexican Black Kings and he was sold.

Most likely, we'll be getting one from the All-mighty Neil Golli when he returns from the show, that is. So the source is found but now we need to know about their care.

Tell me all your experience with these snakes! How does their care compare to that of Ball pythons and Corn snakes (the two species I care for now)? What are the most important things to know about them? Would a 12qt tub be a good home for an '08 youngster?

I've never kept a Kingsnake before, so treat me like a new owner. Thanks!

When i first got my MBK she was a very defensive, flighty little snake but after six months to a year she calmed away down into this confident, inquisitive black beauty. I've had her three years now and she is probably the most laid back snake i have and tolerates handling brilliantly.

As for housing, i put her staright into a 24 inch x 15 x 18 viv and she resided there for about two years. I just made sure she had plenty of hides and fake foilage for her to climb through and feel secure.

Temps i have at 90 degrees warm end and 77 degrees cool end. I also mist the tank once a week, which she appears to enjoy and feeding her two adult mice every ten to fourteen days.

All in all a wonderful snake, very easy to care for and very rarely refuse a prey item.

If youn have anymore questions feel free to ask. Here's some pics of my girl.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...yolandi015.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...7/snake003.jpg