King
Snake
Lampropeltis getula
including L.g.
californiae black & white
Before you read
this Care Sheet
remember that
it is meant
only as a general
guide to the
requirements
and maintenance
of this species.
You should
seek out good
information
regarding the
specifics of
their husbandry.
Distribution:
Many different
subspecies found
throughout the
United States
and into Mexico.
Habitat:
Kingsnakes occur
in a wide variety
of habitats
including:
wood lots,
prairies, fields,
oak scrub lands,
and semi-arid
regions.
Adult Size:
The Kingsnake
is a medium
sized snake
with a very
slender build.
Hatchlings
are typically
between 23
and 36 cm,
while adults
range in length
from 76 cm
- 183 cm (2.5-6
feet).
Temperament:
Young Kingsnakes
- like most
small snakes
- are highly
sensitive to
potential threats.
They will typically
rattle their
tails and strike
defensively
when they feel
threatened;
however, with
very little
effort they
quickly become
accustomed
to being handled.
Most adults
rarely bite
and are easy
to handle.
Longevity:
This species
lives to be
between 10
and 15 years
old in captivity.
Captive Care:
Rating: 1 - Due
to this animals
good nature,
feeding habits,
adult size,
and availability
as domestically
bred stock
it is an excellent
starter snake.
Diet:
Hatchlings and
juveniles -
pink/ fuzzy
mice, hopper
mice, and pink/fuzzy
rats every
4-7 days; Adults
- large rodents
such as rats
every 9-14
days.
Temperature:
25C to 30C (75-85F)
Space:
An adult King
Snake can be
housed a 35
gallon terrarium;
however, young
snakes are
better off
housed in smaller
10 to 15 gallon
terraria until
they reach
a 60 - 70 cm
in length.
Special Requirements:
Kingsnakes naturally
feed on other
snakes; therefore,
these animals
must be housed
individually.
These snakes
are docile,
eat readily,
and are long
lived which
makes them
hardy animals
ideally suited
for beginners.;
however, hatchlings
should be left
for one to
two months
without any
handling to
make sure they
get on a good
feeding schedule.
Most people
make the mistake
of handling
their animal
too soon and
they end up
with a very
stressed snake
that refuses
to eat. For
the first few
months, the
contact you
should have
with your snake
should be for
feeding, cleaning,
and changing
water only.
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