California Kingsnakes are among the most loved pet snakes. They are gentle, easy to maintain and affordable.
Kingsnakes are priced less than $100 and are available in a variety of colors and morphs. The most well-known are the stripes and banana variations.
For those looking to adopt their first snake, this species is an ideal companion. They are simple to handle, they can be found different habitats, and possess an affable personality.
Even though you are a new snake there are some crucial things to consider.
If you’re trying to ensure that your pet is in the right enclosure, is fed properly and has a happy and healthy life, read on…
California Kingsnake Overview
It is believed that the California Kingsnake is originally from the state of California.
It is interesting to note that this snake species is immune to all snake venoms. Due to their immunity, they are a prey for numerous poisonous species. They are referred to for being”the “king” of snakes and hunt pit vipers.
The first discovered in 1835, the snakes now live in all parts of western United States.
California Kingsnakes are found in prairies, forests deserts, and other ecosystems.
The most common color of the snake is black and white bands. There are however, a few variation in the morphs of browns, whites, yellows and blacks in various designs.
Are California Kingsnakes Good Pets?
Many new keepers are attracted to this species due to its gentle, yet outgoing nature. They’re also a sturdy snake and do well in the wild.
In captivity, they thrive with a diet consisting of frozen mice that have been thawed and do not require an intricate installation. They need a place to bask and a temperature during the day of around 80 degrees, and a 40-gallon secure tank.
Pros
- Easy to maintain and does not require complicated tank set-up.
- They are extremely cheap they are compared with other species and can be purchased for less than $100.
- There are a variety of patterns and color morphs that are available.
Cons
- The euphoria of feeding could lead to bites that are accidental.
- Kingsnakes can reach the length of four feet and require a bigger tank than the majority of pets have.
- Juveniles are often difficult to manage due to their temperamental tics.
Species Appearance
The California Kingsnakes is a species belonging to the general Kingsnake.
They typically consist of yellow or white and the darker brown or black base color. Their scales have a distinctive glossy and smooth look.
The most straightforward method to recognize any California Kingsnake is through their white faces.
California Kingsnake Morphs
The snake is colorful patterns and color morphologies.
Striped California Kingsnakes are typical with the pattern consisting of black and white bands that alternate with faces of white. There aren’t any obvious distinctions in color between females and males.
There are more than 50 known California Kingsnake different morphs. The most well-known variations are:
- High Yellow Banana
- Albino
- Chocolate
- Lavender
- Reverse Stripe
- Black and white Striped
- High White
Each of these morphs is either yellow or white on an black or brown base color, and are arranged horizontally in strips or vertical.
California Kingsnake Size
The hatchlings are between eight and 10 inches wide. The average size of this species is the adult length of 3 to 4 feet within 3 years.
Sometimes, some Kingsnakes can grow to six feet long but this isn’t the norm.
Females are generally bigger than males.
Adults aren’t weighing more than 4 pounds, and have a smaller body than the other pet snakes like Boas. Their heads are just a little larger than their bodies.
The California Kingsnake Caring Guide
California Kingsnake Diet
Every snake species is carnivorous. (21 snake facts)
This snake is not picky in regards to food.
Kingsnakes are a species of constrictor snake. They take the life from their prey prior to devouring it. In the wild, they consume any small or animal that they can catch:
- Birds
- Frogs
- Lizards
- Rodents
- Snakes
When in captivity, your pet snake will devour almost every meal that is offered to him.
It is essential to avoid feeding the animals when they’re shed.
Also, you should not provide live prey in order to protect the snake from being injured. Prey must be purchased frozen and then frozen before being fed. California Kingsnakes can be fed by eating rodents, chicks and Lizards.
The hatchlings should be fed a single daily prey animal.
Adults are able to transition to feeding at least once every 14 days.
The owners must be aware of the fact that they could be hungry eaters. It is important to be cautious when feeding them to ensure that you do not get being bitten.
If the snake does not eat prey for longer than two hours, then it should be removed in the cage. You can feed it a different prey in a couple of days.
It is crucial not to try handling the Kingsnake either before or after eating for at least 24 hours.
California Kingsnake Lifespan
California Kingsnakes in California can suffer from health problems if the enclosure isn’t properly set up or maintained regularly. Their lifespan can vary in captivity, but is typically between 20-30 years.
Infections of the respiratory tract are prevalent in this species.
Wheezing and mouth breathing are usually the first sign of respiratory infections.
Respiratory infections usually are due to temperatures which are low. If they are detected early , then increasing the temperature of the enclosure can cure within a couple of days.
However , if the infection is ongoing, antibiotics may be needed.
Another condition that is common to pets is mouth the rot (i.e. the gums are infected).
Mouth rot is usually connected with an inflamed and red mouth that is accompanied by pus. It can also require antibiotics.
If their tank isn’t cleaned regularly, they may become exposed to parasites like ticks, worms and mites. If your snake is suffering from an infection that is parasitic, it is crucial to treat it with antiparasitic medication and to regularly clean their enclosure. This will assist in eliminating any parasites that remain and also prevent reinfection.
The Signs That They Are Healthy
- The sheds are usually in a single piece.
- The eyes, ears and nose are clean of all particles.
- A healthy appetite and eagerly accepting food.
- Active and alert.
Sickness symptoms
- Feces that are watery and not properly formed.
- Eyes are cloudy and sunken.
- Drinking and eating irregularly while losing weight.
- Breathing openly with their mouths.
California Kingsnake Enclosure
It is believed that the California Kingsnake thrives across the whole state of California except for the redwood forest in the northeast.
They also exist in other western states like Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Colorado.
One of the main reasons they are excellent pets is their capacity to adapt to changing habitats. The species is thriving in a wide range of environments, from grasslands to forests and deserts.
Kingsnakes typically are active in the morning.
In their youth, they can be highly active but they become gentle as they grow older. They usually spend their time lying on the ground, however they occasionally climb trees and bushes.
Their enclosures should comprise a dry surface and some logs with different heights.
Setup
Wooden vivariums are the best choice for this species because they are able to provide a decent amount of insulation. Glass tanks are also an excellent alternative however, the temperature has to be regularly monitored.
The hatchlings can be kept in a tank that holds 10 gallons, but adults require the 40-gallon vivarium built of wood:
- Tank Type: wooden.
- Tank Size 40-gallons.
- Lighting Lighting: Basking Lamp and natural light.
- Substrate Aspen .
It is essential not to crowd their garden with branches and decorations since they tend to spend their majority of time lying on the ground.
A couple of logs and a stone to make a place for basking is all you need.
Temperature and Humidity
They require a place to bask that is a little hotter that the other areas of their enclosure.
The enclosure should be set at around 80° during daylight hours, and the area for basking should be close to 90 degrees..
They need to include a lighting source, but they do not require specific UVA or UVB lighting if natural light is able to reach their enclosure.
The temperature at night is expected to drop to around 72 degrees.
Under tank heaters are used to maintain 72 degree temperatures. Be sure that they are controlled regularly since these heating systems may result in severe burns in the event of misuse. The heater for the under tank should be kept in the lower third of the living space. This will help prevent the heater from overheating the vivarium.
Their skin must be dry and capable of absorbing water. This helps keep their skin healthy and clean.
Aspen shavings are the ideal habitat to feed California Kingsnakes. Aspen shavings closely match their natural habitat and are not able to absorb moisture. Other substrates, like pelleted cypress or bedding made of paper are also suitable.
California Kingsnakes need a humidity of about 50% to shed effectively. Their enclosures must be misted at least twice per day to keep the humidity at a minimum.
Don’t sprinkle more than this because it can cause excessive humidity.
A large water bowl that your snake can bathe in is required to be placed in the enclosure. Be sure that the bowl is deep enough that the water doesn’t flood the remainder of the cage while your snake is bathing.
The water needs to be changed on a regular basis and the dish must be cleaned every week. Snakes are susceptible to contracting various bacteria-related infections caused by filthy water.
Their bedding should be changed each week and the entire cage must be thoroughly cleaned with the use of soap and water the least once a month.
Species Temperament
The California Kingsnake uses its tail for defense by shaking it to intimidate predators.
California Kingsnakes are typically diurnal in typical climates, and nocturnal in warmer climates (e.g. deserts).
In the wild, this animal is typically terrestrial and is most likely to be in the earth. Sometimes, they will climb small trees to look around their surroundings, but this isn’t common.
The species spend the majority of their time soaking or soaking in their enclosure. If they’re hiding the majority of the time it’s an indication that their cage might be too hot.
They are generally solo snakes, and they only join others Kingsnakes (mexican black kingsnake) to mat and hibernating.
The snakes of the kings are territorial. If they encounter other snake species, they can be very insecure.
It is essential that to keep them in separate rooms to ensure this.
If they are scared, they release a musky smell as well as shake their heads in order to defend themselves.
The kingsnakes squeeze their prey until death, before eating the whole thing. Being active hunters, they typically attack the food once they are introduced to their enclosure. It is recommended to use long forceps while eating in order to avoid getting accidentally bit by a predator.
Are California Kingsnakes Aggressive?
Adults are gentle when in captivity and seldom show aggression toward humans. California Kingsnakes aren’t venomous. If an accidental hit occurs, then wash the wound using soap and warm water.
See more: Top 20 most venomous snakes
They are quite comfortable when handled correctly. However, young animals are lively and can be difficult to handle because of their speed and agility.
They can be handled regularly, however they shouldn’t be handled on the day that they shed or consume.
Breathing in the mouth and shaking of the tail are indicators of stress. Allow them to move around without restriction and don’t fix them in a position that could cause unnecessary aggression.
Baby California Kingsnakes
The breeding season is usually during March, April or even May (i.e. towards the end of brumation). Females release an odour that indicates males that they are prepared to be sexually bred.
It takes about four weeks following the breeding period for the female to lay eggs.
California Kingsnakes lay 5 to 15 eggs which are white and oval in shape.
It typically takes six to nine weeks for eggs to hatch following the time they were laid.
Hatchlings break their eggs by using their egg tooth. They spend the first couple of hours taking in the remnants of egg yolk. They typically grow from eight to ten inches tall.
California Kingsnake Price
California Kingsnakes typically cost between $50 and $100.
Rarer morphs, such as the banana can cost up to $200.
Before buying the Kingsnake it is crucial to check them for health issues. Check the eyes, ears mouth, and vent for any debris or secretions. It is typically the first sign of health problems.
California Kingsnakes are relatively easy to locate and are available from a wide range of pet stores.
It is recommended to purchase the breeders from reputable breeders. This will guarantee that they’re free of parasites, and will have a comfortable and easy to handle behavior.
Facts
| Common Name | California Kingsnake |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lampropeltis getula californiae |
| Price | ~$100 |
| Size | Four to three feet in length |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years |
| Diet | Mice, chicks, and Lizards |
| Tank Size | 40-gallon wood |
| Temperature and Humidity | Daytime temperature: 75- 80degF Basking Spot: 88- 90degF Humidity: ~50% |
| Popular Alternatives | Corn snakes Other subspecies of Kingsnakes |
Summary
California Kingsnakes are one of the most loved snakes to keep as pets.
They are gentle and playful and are a natural in a range of enclosures and habitats.
Kingsnakes are ideal for the first-time snake owners and those who have had knowledge. However, the first-time owners must make use of long forceps while feeding to avoid accidental hits.
Their only disadvantage is their size, as they can grow up to six feet long. Due to this, some novices prefer smaller corn snakes or Ball Python.
Do you own a specific species of Kingsnake? Tell us about it.
