Help identifying snake ... does he need to go?

[rizq]

Quote:
Aw

She is cute! I just cannot help but think that the head was wider at the base though ... do they flatten their heads when they feel threatened? I know some snakes do and that could account for the difference in shape. The pattern of course is different ... but we have already been there. I wish there was not so much variation and they were easier to say for sure, lol

 

[rizq]

Quote:
I do not mind snakes, but I really hate surprises and I think that would qualify as a huge and unpleasant surprise! I am glad this one is not quite that big. Only 3-4 feet and that could be a bit generous, but I do not think he was less than 3 feet.

 

[ivan3]

Speckled King?

 

[rizq]

Now in that picture the snake's head looks very close to what my not-so-little friend's head! Change the pattern a bit and that could be him! I swear I have looked at a hundred king snake pictures (and probably thousands of snake pictures of different types) and have not yet seen one that looked that close (in shape). Either the angle changes it, or they change when threatened. I am even more certain now that it is some sort of king snake.

 

[luvmychicknkids]

Thanks, we are quite attached to her.

I am not sure if they flatten their heads.....I have never seen one do it, but yours sounds much.....thicker, all over. Oreo is about 3 1/2' long and quite thin (and she eats WELL). Kings really aren't a meaty breed. Maybe a rat snake with a strange pattern? Or what about a cross between a rat snake and a king? I know there have been some rat/rattlesnake crosses found here recently. At least according to the game and fish commission. I would have thought it impossible but who knows.

 

[luvmychicknkids]

The speckled king snake in that pic is really young. Their pattern changes as they mature. Maybe that is it? They are really common. And, king snakes (in the wild anyway) can have a pretty nasty attitude.

 

[Punk-Rock_Chicken]

Now that i think about it, you may have an Eastern Hognose Snake... They come in many colors and pattern, some look like rattlers and and some are black with yellow bellies, and when threaten they will act very aggressive and flatten their heads to a triangular shap. They are totally harmless. Wont bite at all, even when acting aggressive! Look up Images of them and let me know... Now my curiosity is peaked

 

[Terri]

i better not find him in my coop, as long as it stays away from my coop i will
leave it alone

 

[Punk-Rock_Chicken]

How do you post pics on here?!

 

[rizq]

Terri - That is a big one! I might worry about my DOG if he was in my yard! ROFL.

Punk-Rock_Chicken - He does not have the puggish nose or the heavily keeled scales of the hognose. He is much smoother and WILL bite. He bit my stick several times. He may be harmless (nonvenomous), but he is definitely nasty.

luvmychicknkids - Cross breeding is an interesting though. I did not know that the different types would interbreed. I have heard of different types of rattlers interbreeding with each other, did not know they would breed with benign snakes. Kinda scary, makes IDing the bad ones that much harder!