*sigh* Why you do dis
My rusty old man, everything is food with this guy. Even the hide I got out of his enclosure, that he was literally hiding in not 5 minutes earlier. Lol
Hello, big fan of your blog! I was wondering if you have much experience with Mexican Black Kingsnakes? Would you consider them any more difficult in temperament or care than a CA king for a first time snake owner?
Hello hello! I have plenty of experience with MBKs and Cali kings, and they're both great picks. In general you're looking at a very similar experience with both! The biggest difference is that, depending on where you live, MBKs can be a bit harder to find.
Both like moderate humidity, around the 40-60% range is great, and a hot side around 85-88 F. These are super simple perimeters to maintain and even first-time owners rarely have problems with these two species. You'll rarely have issues feeding either species, too! Cali kings can get a bit bigger but you're still looking at about a 3-4 foot snake on average with both species. MBKs can be more recusive when young but as they grow you'll probably see them out and about just as much as Cali kings.
In my experience with own snakes, MBKs tend to be a little bit more introverted and a little less prone to mistaken feeding bites than Cali kings. MBKs can be more flighty and nervous in general. Both of them usually grow out of flightiness as they get bigger, though, and by adulthood they're both usually absolute dreams to handle. Cali kings don't always grow out of trying to put everything in their mouths to see if it's food, while I tend to see MBKs (while still having an excellent food response) are a bit less prone to trying to eat your fingers.
They're both great choices for a first snake. I love my Cali kings and my MBK to death! They're both active, super fun snakes, and I couldn't recommend them enough! They tend to be very low-stress pets; their care is pretty easy, they always eat, and you never have to worry about them.
Late start morning, featuring a little snake that wanted to come out for a visit but not stay still for pictures 🐍 “Becoming Part II” oil painted necklace by me, layered nightgowns and cardigan vintage.