It's an eater!

[Scalded Dog]

I recently acquired a 30- inch California King snake. I named it "Mattress" (California King?), but was aware that while SOME kings will eat in captivity, others will not. Some go on a hunger strike in captivity, and if they won't eat, they need to be released.

So I got a couple of feeder mice (I know, two at a time is generally not ideal, but, I still gave it a shot). It took a full five seconds for the snake to capture the first mouse. He was swallowing it, but still had a wiggling tail sticking out of his mouth, when he went for the second mouse. Wow!

So, I figured he must be hungry... I got him two more. This time, my hand had not even gotten out of the way before the snake struck the first (no, the snake did not touch me, but it was really ONE second from the time I placed the mouse in there until it was struck by the snake). Death was quick, but before he could begin consuming it, he went for the second mouse. Killed #2, ate it, and THEN came back for #1.

This thing is docile, and comfortable around humans... he exhibits no aggressive behaviors, and makes no attempt to bite. Well, unless you are a mouse, in which case, he's not so docile.

I guess I have an eater!

[mydreamcar]

Man you have to post a video on shit like that. I love watching that stuff

[CamaroFred]

Better keep your pants on around that guy

[1Coopgt]

Make sure to always wash your hands after handling the mice. You don't want the snake latching onto your hand by accident .

How big do the Cali king snakes get ? When I was younger I had a 6'5" Red Tail Boa.

[DvKillar]

I had one. and a 6' Black Rat snake. I know this; They eat anything! And more than they can handle. It is instinct. My Rat once consumed 2 baby birds that were doomed as their nest was destroyed and mama abandoned them. did it in less than 30 minutes. last one went down ass first and was tweeting his homies til the last bite! sorry, was nature, but kinda silly.
Thing is, they don't need more calories than they can handle during their feeding cycle. so be careful, they get big quick!
Columbrids don't get Boa big, but 6' for one is larger than nature intended!

[Frank237]

Nature is not pretty at times.

[Scalded Dog]

Originally Posted by 1Coopgt

Make sure to always wash your hands after handling the mice. You don't want the snake latching onto your hand by accident .

How big do the Cali king snakes get ? When I was younger I had a 6'5" Red Tail Boa.

California Kings rarely get over four feet... they never get big.

And, yes, the hand- washing is important all the way around: I do NOT want my delicious fingers smelling like mice. Plus, after handling the serpent, it's time for a good scrub, too: The other day, I brought the snake for some nieces and nephews who were intrigued by it, and we ended up having a real poop- fest. That snake just started pooping on everything, and slinging his tail around at the same time. Everybody caught some of it, but I got the worst of it by far.

[Scalded Dog]

Originally Posted by DvKillar

I had one. and a 6' Black Rat snake. I know this; They eat anything! And more than they can handle. It is instinct. My Rat once consumed 2 baby birds that were doomed as their nest was destroyed and mama abandoned them. did it in less than 30 minutes. last one went down ass first and was tweeting his homies til the last bite! sorry, was nature, but kinda silly.
Thing is, they don't need more calories than they can handle during their feeding cycle. so be careful, they get big quick!
Columbrids don't get Boa big, but 6' for one is larger than nature intended!

"Tweeting his homies!" That's great!

[Scalded Dog]

Originally Posted by Frank237

Nature is not pretty at times.

This is true.

I recently saw an argument online (yep... that happens!) in which somebody had video of a snake and bird involved in a life and death struggle. One person arguing was outraged that the videographer simply stood by and did nothing.

The argument ended, however, with the sage question of, which animal is more important? Is it more humane to save the bird, and let the snake starve, or to save the snake by letting the bird become dinner?

In nature, somebody's got to eat, and it often means that somebody's got to die.

Of course, I'd be happy to have a vegetarian snake... that's be a lot easier to take care of!

[Donald]

Originally Posted by Scalded Dog

This is true.

I recently saw an argument online (yep... that happens!) in which somebody had video of a snake and bird involved in a life and death struggle. One person arguing was outraged that the videographer simply stood by and did nothing.

The argument ended, however, with the sage question of, which animal is more important? Is it more humane to save the bird, and let the snake starve, or to save the snake by letting the bird become dinner?

In nature, somebody's got to eat, and it often means that somebody's got to die.

Of course, I'd be happy to have a vegetarian snake... that's be a lot easier to take care of!

Lol @ vegetarian snake idea. I bet someone at PETA has probably tried.

[sherob]

There was a pet shop in Pensacola that would give me $3 a pop for Hog Nose Rattlers while I was in High School... easy gas money.

One day I took in a couple to get some gas money, and an older lady came in with an injured dove. Asked the owner if he would take care of it... "sure", he said. Once the older lady walked out the door, he tossed it in an aquarium that had a boa... it struck that dove then wrapped around it, and snuffed it out. That older lady would have had a cow!

[kmarshall2121]

Originally Posted by Donald

Lol @ vegetarian snake idea. I bet someone at PETA has probably tried.

People Eating Tasty Animals

[Donald]

Originally Posted by kmarshall2121

People Eating Tasty Animals

<- lifetime member. :-)

[90503]

Here ya go....Could happen...lol...enjoy...