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mandy4262
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
1 Posts |
 Posted - 31/10/2009 : 13:21:35
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hi all,
i've just been given a king snake for my birthday but i dont have a clue on care or attention he may need. he's about 2 years and bought from a pet shop, everywhere we have been for advise have given different answers so i was hopeing you guys being owners may know.
i've been around snakes before but never owned one so i'm not sure exactly on feeding, handling or his tank.
we've got him in an old iguana tank but he keeps escaping! we are tring things to keep him in,and we are also concerned about the temp of the tank. its at 21-24 degres c is that ok considering its nearly winter?
i've had him for 2 days and he's been moving around alot before that is there a time i should wait before handling him?
today is also his feeding day, and i know that in other posts/forums it says he may not eat from moving as of being stressed but he looks like he is hungry and when we touch him he shakes his tail in a rapid motion can you tell me what that means?
thanx for your time.
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m.atkinson |
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Grumpy
Hatchling
United Kingdom
138 Posts |
Posted - 31/10/2009 : 13:57:46
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A proper vivarium would be much better, with at least a heatmat, preferably controlled by a thermostat. Most snakes are escape artists, if there's a way out, they'll find it.
The more you handle the calmer he'she will get, may bite or poo on you at first - get some F10 so there's no smell on your hands to spook, and use it every time you handle, especially if you've handled food, ie a mouse.
May wel not eat at first, just keep trying every few days - unless he tried and regurgs, then you need to leave stomach to settle before you try again. If food is taken, don't try to handle for 48 hours - and make sure there's fresh water, a hide, and plenty of cover, fake ferns etc as snakes like to hide and don't like open spaces.
The tail shaking could be warning you off, most snakes do it, not just rattlesnakes, either grumpy or scared.
Sure others will have input! Good luck and enjoy. |
IanT
Blair's grey band
Albino cali female
Albino grey band female
Chocolate Cali
Taiwanese Beauty female |
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Kehhlyr
The Resident Loon
United Kingdom
511 Posts |
Posted - 31/10/2009 : 14:22:01
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Roughly how big is he?
How big is the tank he's in?
You're right about the temp being a bit low, but like what Grumpy said, a mat+stat will sort that out.
Put a small(ish) box in the tank for him to hide inside, most old iguana tanks are quite open which will get him a bit worked up.
A cereal box or something that he can get inside and feel nice and safe will work wonders.
If you can post a pic of the tank, we'll also be able to offer loads more help and advice as well. If not then the dimensions of the tank and as much info about the lid/doors etc.
Oh, and welcome to the forum.  |
-=Kehhlyr - The Resident Loon
SOME OF MY ANIMALS
 
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magneticblue
Kingsnake Forum Admin
United Kingdom
1511 Posts |
Posted - 31/10/2009 : 23:08:41
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Have a look at these care sheets for advice
http://www.thekingsnake.co.uk/king_snake_care_sheet.htm
If you're not sure which species of king you have then just go by the common care sheet for now and thenpost some pics when you get the chance and we will try to identify it for you. |
1.1.0 Arizona mountain king (Sylar and Claire)
0.1.0 Blotched king ( Jasmin)
1.1.0 Guyana red-tail boa (Hercules and Athena)
1.0.1 children (Alfie and BUMP)
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Kazerella
King Snake Admin
United Kingdom
1512 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2009 : 11:16:55
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I agree with everything above, but especially the heat thing. Best not to feed him until you've got the temps up to about 28-30 degrees otherwise he might not digest his food anyway. (Snakes need warmth to get energy, so his body won't function right if he's cold).
A proper vivarium would be better than an iguana tank, unless you can find a way to make the lid secure. If you can't afford one of those at the moment, tehn snakes can live quite happily in a RUB (really useful box or plastic storage box). Just try and get one with a really secure lid.
Welcome to the forum!
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please help
