Taming an ignored King Snake..?

Question

Here's the deal: My cousin had purchased an Albino King Snake, during what I would assume was her youth. I'm not sure if she where handled at all during that short time of ownership, because my cousin had decided to up and one day leave and thus put the snake in the care into the hands of a woman who does not like them at all (My aunt) and I know for a fact that the only bit of soical interaction that is offered to her is just from feeding; she was known to bite a visitor and from then, never touched again. I love this snake, and though I cannot keep her, I do want to give the animal the interaction she lacks and diminish that reputation as a 'Biter'. I remember a time ago, I had read in a book for Iguana Care that if the animal has an aggressive side, you can use a stick or something simliar with a cotton-ball attatched at the end, and pet the creature; gradually shortening the stick until it is YOUR hand touching the reptile. Can this be attempted? =/

NOTE: Can I NOT receive links as answers? -- and BS answers of any animal cruelity will be reported.

I also know that snakes are wild animals and are not promised to bite. kthx.

Answer 1

I admire your compassion, and I hope I can help, but I have to warn you that you are starting with the proverbial two strikes against you.

You state that the snake has been neglected (although not for how long) due to his (her?) behavior and your aunt's aversion to snakes in general. You also state that you cannot keep the snake.

I don't mean to discourage you or lead you to think that you can't or won't get the snake to be comfortable with being handled. I merely want to let you know that any rehabilitation will require frequent handling and a LOT of patience. If you feel up to the task I will do what I can to help you succeed.

The first order of business will be to get the snake out of its enclosure. The safest and least traumatic way to accomplish this (for you as well as the snake) is by using a snake hook. Snake hooks are available through reptile supply dealers, either on line or through advertisements in the backs of reptile magazines, or you can usually purchase them at a reptile show.

To use the hook you simply slide it under the snake's body and gently lift it up and out of its enclosure. Once the snake is out you gently support its weight in your hands and allow it to move freely through your hands as if they were the branches of a tree. Do not try to grab the snake. Any pressure either on the snake's back or around its body will be perceived to be threatening and will elicit a bite response.

Keep the snake away from your face. When the snake feels threatened it will curl its back into an S in preparation to strike out in defense. When it is curled this way it can quickly strike out approximately 1/3 of its body length.

I strongly recommend against feeding the snake in its enclosure. To do so promotes the idea that any time the lid is raised the snake can expect food. This tends to make the snake strike at the first thing it sees when the lid opens. We feed our snakes in dark plastic lidded bins (Rubbermaid, for example). This way the snake does not anticipate food until it is lowered into the feeding bin.

Most people who keep snakes will tell you that it's not a matter of IF you will be bitten, but WHEN. When you are bitten, try to resist the urge to jerk away. Doing so can cause injury to the snake and worsen the injury to yourself. If at all possible remain still and calm. Most snake bites are simply an open mouth strike to warn away a perceived threat. They seldom bite and hold unless you have been handling their food (and therefore SMELL like their food) or you are attempting to grab them (which would elicit the aforementioned bite response).

King snakes are colubrids, therefore, they are non-venomous. Their bites can become infected, however, and should be promptly treated. The bites should be treated as you would any other minor wound: twice daily clean the wound thoroughly with warm water and anti-bacterial soap, dry gently, and apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment.

The keys to rehabilitating your snake will be consistancy, frequency, and patience. Be consistantly gentle and unthreatening in your handling of the snake. Handle it at least once or twice each day, gradually increasing the length of time you handle it, or for as long as the snake will tolerate your attention. Be patient and realize that the bite response is not only instinct, in this case it has been reinforced: the snake now knows that if it is aggressive it will be fed, but not handled or bothered. This behavior must be gradually unlearned as the snake becomes more accustomed to and comfortable with being handled.

One last bit, please DO NOT pet the snake with a stick, cotton tipped or otherwise. Doing so would most likely be perceived as a threat or an annoyance, provoking a striking response, and undermining your progress toward rehabilitating the snake.

I hope this information helps you. If you have any other questions feel free to contact me through the e-mail address in my profile.

Answer 2

The king snake families are'nt wild cought. 99% of the king snakes you buy in United States are raised by breeders. I adopted a 7 foot red tail boa that was neglected. I used to put on heavy gloves to take her out of her cage. After I got her out I took the gloves off so she could smell me. Handle your snake as much as you possible can. The more you handle her and show her your not going to hurt her she'll slowly come around to where she'll want to held. Never grab a snake by it's head or tail all you'll do is scare it. And always make sure you feed your snake in a different erea than what she lives in. Good Luck

Answer 3

No, no no, just realize you will most likely be bit, and get the snake out and hold it. Not for long at first, but gradually longer and longer. Kingsnakes can be fast and whippy, so keep away from your face! Let the snake travel through your hands until it calms down and realizes you aren't there to hurt it. Don't be disappointed if you are still getting bit after awhile, most just take time, but keep in mind some never tame down.
If the snake latches down on you, don't pull away, he'll let go, and if he doesn't, hold his head briefly underwater.
The snake will also most likely poop on you, so be prepared for that as well. Good luck!

Answer 4

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