Care Sheet for King SnakesAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 0 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 09/04/2007 |
Main Category: | Snakes |
Sub Category: | King Snakes |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Reptlcal |
Years Experience: | 3 to 5 Years |
Species: | California Kingsnake |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | N/A |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Usually you can only tell a male and female by probing or popping which should only be done by a professional. |
Mostly Active During: | Both |
Substrate and Water Needs: | A variety of substrates can be used. Aspen bedding, newspaper, and Care Fresh are popular with many keepers. Paper towels may be used for lining baby cages. Keep the substrate clean and dry at all times. As with all reptiles, do NOT use cedar or pine shavings. These items are toxic to reptiles. Provide clean water in a small dish. |
Lighting and UVB: | No special lighting is required for these nocturnal animals. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | You should allow the snake to choose from higher temperatures (about 85-90F) at the warm end, and cooler temperatures (about 70-75F) at the cooler end. Provide suitable hiding areas at both warm and cool areas, so the snake can feel secure at any temperature. Temperatures below 70F should be avoided. |
Heating and Equipment: | Provide a thermal gradient by placing a heat pad under one end of the cage. This should allow the snake to choose from higher temperatures (about 85-90F) at the warm end, and cooler temperatures (about 70-75F) at the cooler end. |
Caging Provided: | Use a terrarium or aquarium the smallest being fifteen gallon. For hatchlings do use critter keepers or plastic shoe boxes. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Most California Kingsnakes will be fed a diet of mice throughout their lives. Hatchlings usually feed readily on newborn pinkie mice, and should be fed about every five to seven days. Increase the size of the meal as the snake grows. One or two adult mice are sufficient every ten or fourteen days to maintain even the largest adult. Often, hatchlings feel lost or insecure when placed in a large cage. These animals will often feed readily if left overnight in a small deli cup with a pinkie and a folded paper towel to hide under. You can also use large fence lizards for wild caught specimens. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | |
Maintenance: | N/A |
Some Words on this Species: | These snakes rarely attempt to bite, although they may do so if restrained. Handle gently, without pinching or squeezing, allowing the snake to move through your fingers. Do not allow the snake to dangle unsupported. Approximately eight to ten inches long at birth, they average three to four feet in length as adults. Occasional specimens may attain nearly five feet in length. |
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