Care Sheet for King SnakesAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 3.59 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 12/06/2004 |
Main Category: | Snakes |
Sub Category: | King Snakes |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Zechriel |
Years Experience: | 1 to 2 Years |
Species: | Mexican Black Kingsnake (nagrita) |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | N/A |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Black Kingsnakes are one of the most docile species of snakes. They can reach 3-4 ft, some even growing into 5! Nagritas can be born with spots but they disappear once they get older. As they get ready to shed, the eyes turn blue/gray. They are very aggressive eaters. |
Mostly Active During: | Night |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Black King is in ESU reptile LIZARD LITTER. It is nontoxic, digestible, and bacteria & parasite free. A 1-2 inch layer is enough for them to burrow, and hide in. A small-medium bowl of water is also needed for moisture, humidity, to help with shed, and for drinking. Change it daily, sanitize it once a week. |
Lighting and UVB: | Black King had overhead lights but they heated up the cage too hot. Now he has an under the tank heater hooked up to a regulator. No additional light is needed. Natural sunlight from the adjacent window lets him regulate his day. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | Black King’s tank is 80-84 on his warm side and the other side of his tank is not heated. He seems to prefer the cool side most, except when he’s shedding. He does not need to be misted. |
Heating and Equipment: | An under the tank heater hooked up to a regulator works great. It is very cold in winter Maine so the sensor and regulator work well with the temperature strip inside his warm area. |
Caging Provided: | Currently Black King is in a 10 gallon tank. He will be moved into a 50 gallon once the iguana cage hubby is making is done. We have locks on the top as Kingsnakes are notorious escape snakes. He has a hubba hut hide on his warm side but prefers his toilet paper roll hide on the cool side. in the middle is a heavy tree branch decoration b/c he likes to climb. We have caught him laying on the inside lip of the mesh tank top! Hence the need for locks! |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Black King has killed a feeder mouse at 6 weeks of age. They are very ferocious feeders! He now eats 3 pinkies twice a week OR 1 small fuzzy once every 5 days. We had trouble with him eating so we took a small gladware, cut a little doorway with a knife to make him a "feeder hide". We scent it with our daughter’s pet mouse(letting it run around inside). Then we place a pinkie in it and place it in his cage. He will catch the scent, crawl in, and eat. Just lift the top to add another when he is done-and another! lol When he is done, simply lift and tilt till he slides out. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | None needed. |
Maintenance: | Change the substrate once a month, wipe down the tank at the same time. Make sure the water bowl is clean, and any large "poopies" are taken out of the tank. Sometimes the shed gets stuck on the tail, which is super sensitive. Simply place a warm wet paper towel in a bowl, put him in, and soak. Always watch as he will crawl out. Then after about 10 mins., wipe him down with the towel, the shed should slide right off. |
Some Words on this Species: | Black Kings are very docile but aggressive feeders. Be sure to wash your hands before you handle them as scent may cause them to bite. Always keep an eye on them as they love to investigate tight places, such as sleeves, creases, even hubby’s belt loops while he is wearing pants! Feel free to email for more info or questions. |
How Members Rated
This Care Sheet | Rate This Care Sheet
Please keep all comments constructive to Mexican Black Kingsnake (nagrita) husbandry methods and care. Any degrading, sarcastic, or disrespectful comments will be removed. |
Total Members Rating: 22
| 1 |  ( 5 ) |
| 2 |  ( 1 ) |
| 3 | ( 1 ) |
| 4 | ( 6 ) |
| 5 | ( 9 ) |
|
|
