Poll for california kingsnake owners?

Question

ive had my cali for about 8 months, but its also the first snake i ever owned so im not 100% used to owning a snake yet. he has not bit me yet, but he has come close to it a few times. is a bite from a pet snake inevitable?

how long have you had your snake, and has it ever bit you?

Answer 1

The bite is something that is inevitable, especially with so many close calls. Make sure you wash yer hands after holding any food items, too! Learn to recognize your companions behavior. I know when my snakes are alert and ready to strike. I always try to make my presence known before I handle em. (3 years, 15 snakes....4 have bitten me)

Answer 2

I've been breeding California kings for a few years and it's normal for babies to bite, pee on you, and shake their tail like a rattlesnake. The only way to get them over this is to handle them often. When they're picked up, thir instincts tell them they're about to be eaten so they do whatever they can to try and prevent this. But they can usually become pretty tame. I've been bitten hundreds of times by everything from kingsnakes and rat snakes to pythons, boas, and yellow anacondas. kingsnake bites are not bad and often babies won't even break the skin. It doesn't hurt, but it can surprise you if you're not expecting it. Just keep handling it and eventually you'll have a very tame snake.

Answer 3

a bite from a snake that size will not hurt you at all - I'd be more afraid for the snake!  It's a natural reaction to pull back from a bite, and this can really hurt their teeth.  If you're afraid, wear some gardening gloves when you handle her until you're confident.  I've been bitten, it's most likely to happen when there's food around.  And it's doesn't hurt at all, probably won't even leave a mark.

Answer 4

I have had mine for over a year and have not yet been bit. I think it is inevitable that if you own a snake you will eventually be bit. I have three at my house and my CA King is probably the most aggressive of them all, because of this I give him less attention. (Which could be the reason he is more aggressive).

Answer 5

I own my OWN kingsnake. But it's an NYC Kingsnake.  I lug it all over with me.

Answer 6

I've been bitten by many a snake, including my CA King.  I'd say being bitten is pretty likely if it's come close.  Even friendly snakes get caught off guard sometimes even when you think you've given it enough time to realize it's you that's there picking it up.  Snakes are cool though.  Not once has the bite hurt (well, I take that back, my Red Tail Boa left two vampire-looking fang holes in my hand that hurt like a m**o).  It's just that it's SCARY AS F***! because it happens so fast and the movement of it is so alien.  Enjoy your snake and try not to freak out it you get a lil nip.  Haha.