For the love of reptiles...

[Guest]

Those are actually Variable Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis mexicana thayeri). I've never had a Corn myself.

Whoa! I didn't know they come in that color! Kings are like corns too though... they're like earthworms when they're babies. Really tiny. Amazing really how they grow up to be 4-5 feet long. The ball pythons are more robust when they're born - around 60 grams. I'd say that king is probably, what? 20grams?

I have to say, these babies are very nippy! I never got bit by any of the snakes that we have... we've had them for over 2 years, 2 of them almost 2000grams. I've been bit by the bird, the hamsters, and accidentally by the dog (we were playing tug of war and he tugged on my finger instead of the rope) but never the snakes. But, we get babies and I finally got bit by one of them! They are very nervous. Good thing they didn't have teeth yet.

Ryanh, the babies didn't eat... I'm getting worried.

[ryanh]

Try more like 10 grams and less. And these are BIG compared to the coastal milksnake babies.

I have small hatchlings from two months ago that still have not eaten. Not a big deal. I wouldn't worry about the one that absorbed all of the yolk. So, focus on the two first.

When needs for security are not met, feeding urges fall by the wayside. Safety needs are higher on the heirachy - esp for the more shy species. Do they have good, snug, dark hides? Alternatively, take some time to handle them lots so they settle down, then try feeding.

Still have hampsters (for scenting)? If you have only tried mice, switch it up to rats, or vice versa. And as balls rely on infrared sensing, if you are using f/t be sure to try warming above air temp at least for the first couple offerings.

[Maya]

Actually the boys tok in a snake once. A black nonvenamous one ... I am not quite sure if it is considered a snake... it is like a snake but it looses its tail when afraid and grows a new one. We had an old aqarium and we put it in there. It was about 30 cm long.. without the end of its tail... I remember how strong its body was.. it was not likely I could have tied it on a knott. It was kind of iky feeling to hold it. We had it a week or so but let it out again. Uh it stank!

Many snakes are pretty. I used to love to watch Stevie Erwing ... oh look a beautiful REALLY poisonous snake... ops there it almost got me... think that only a drop of that poison will kill an elefant...