Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico in the United States are home to the large, slender, nonvenomous species of kingsnake known as the desert kingsnake. The bodies of desert kingsnakes are dark brown or black with yellow markings.
As long as the snakes are handled carefully and kept in tidy enclosures that imitate their natural setting, taking care of these snakes is simple.
Overview of Desert Kingsnakes
| Common name | Desert kingsnake, desert king snake, common kingsnake |
| Scientific name | Lampropeltis splendida |
| Natural habitat | Rural, semi-arid ecosystems in the United States, including deserts, grasslands, abandoned farms, and forests |
| Adult size | 21–78 inches |
| Average lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Housing | 30-gallon minimum, 68–90°F, and 50–75% humidity |
| Experience level | Beginner |
Origin
In Arizona and New Mexico, the desert kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida) is typically found in semi-arid, rural habitats such as grasslands, deserts, wooded areas, and abandoned farms. The snake is not a desert species, despite its name, and frequently lives in locations near water.
Although they can climb, desert kingsnakes rarely do so in the wild since they are not arboreal. The snakes hunt their food by swimming, tanning, and burrowing into the ground.
Manifestation and conduct
Desert kingsnakes have smooth, glossy, scaleless crossbars that are either yellow or white. They might be black or dark brown in color. From head to tail, these crossbars are present. Every snake differs from the next in terms of its precise color, design, and band width. The snake’s belly is primarily black, with yellow or white patterns on the ventral plates’ exteriors.
Male and female adults are both the same hue, but females are larger.
Size and Duration
A desert kingsnake can grow to be anywhere between 21 and 78 inches long. About 8 inches is how long a hatchling is.
Desert kingsnakes can survive for ten to fifteen years in captivity. The snakes can survive for more than 20 years if given proper care.
Temperament
The prey drive of desert kingsnakes is high, and they are confident but not aggressive. With consistent care and a healthy food schedule, the snakes can be domesticated.
The species favors solitary living. Only keep the snakes in pairs—one male and one female, or one male and two females—in a sizable enclosure for breeding purposes.
In comparison to other snake species, desert kingsnakes are reported to bite more frequently, especially under stress. These snakes are known to become stressed by loud noises, abrupt movements, and confined living spaces.
a facility for desert kingsnakes
Sand, grass, or wooded habitats in hot, humid climates make up the desert kingsnake’s natural habitat. Decorate and warm the enclosure to resemble the snake’s natural environment.
Keep a medium-sized wooden vivarium with adjustable vents for thermodynamics and humidity control with a desert kingsnake.
Case dimensions
An enclosure of at least 30 gallons is necessary for a full-sized desert kingsnake. The enclosure needs to be tall enough to permit a deep layer of substrate for digging, even though the snake likes to investigate its surroundings on the ground.
A desert kingsnake’s enclosure should be 40 inches long and 18 inches high.
Lighting
The tank of a desert kingsnake doesn’t require specialized UVB illumination because snakes can absorb calcium without it. UVB illumination can be utilized to mimic the circumstances in the snake’s natural environment if wanted; however, these snakes get UVB from sunlight in the wild.
A snake needs roughly ten hours of daylight each day. Put a fluorescent lamp on the underside of the enclosure’s lid and set it to turn off at night to create a day-to-night cycle there. Extra illumination is not required if the enclosure is housed in a room that receives direct sunlight.
Temperature and humidity
Desert kingsnakes in the wild cycle between chilly, shady places and warm basking areas to control their body temperature. By creating a temperature gradient, let the snakes accomplish this thermoregulation while they are in captivity.
The cool area of the tank should make up two-thirds of it, with daytime temperatures of 80°F and nighttime temperatures of 68–75°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
The heated part should occupy the remaining third of the tank. To heat the tank to 90°F, put a heat source there, such as a basking lamp. Warming up the basking area can also be accomplished with an under-tank heat pad; however, avoid using hot rocks, which could harm the snake’s skin.
The humidity inside the cage should range from 50% to 75%. A hygrometer can be used to measure humidity levels. To maintain humidity levels within the ideal range, put a sizable water bowl within the tank. If necessary, spritz the tank several times daily.
High humidity is required for desert kingsnakes to easily shed their skin. While the snake is shedding, mist the tank more frequently than usual to get the humidity to 75%.
Substance and adornment
Natural substrate that is soft enough for the snake to burrow in, like cypress mulch and aspen bedding, is the best choice for a desert kingsnake tank. For the snake to be able to burrow, the substrate needs to be at least 3 inches deep.
To hold on to moisture, spread some sphagnum moss over the substrate. For those on a tight budget, plain paper towels or newspaper make an affordable, clean-up-friendly substrate. Avoid using sand, pebbles, or pine or cedar substrates since the oils from these materials could harm the snake’s health if it were to swallow them.
To give the snake shade, cover, and places to sleep, adorn the cage with sizable rocks, caves, hides, and fake plants. The snake can bask on warm, flat rocks that have been put in the basking area.
Cleaning
The likelihood of stress and disease in desert kingsnakes is decreased by a clean enclosure. Once every day, spot-clean the enclosure. to replace any damaged substrate components, spot-clean, and take out trash and leftover food. Wash and restock the water container.
Once each week, thoroughly clean the enclosure. Before emptying the home enclosure and soaking the decorations in hot water and dish soap, move the snake to a temporary enclosure. After cleaning the interior of the enclosure with a sponge and warm, soapy water, dry it off with a fresh cloth.
Restore the plants and decorations, add a new layer of substrate to the enclosure, and then move the snake back into the thoroughly cleaned tank.
Use equal quantities of white vinegar and water to remove tough stains. Never use abrasive chemical cleaners that could harm a snake’s breathing system.
Related reading: Prairie Kingsnake, Mexican Black Kingsnake,
Care for Desert Kingsnakes
Desert kingsnakes require a tidy habitat, routine handling, and a balanced, high-protein diet.
Water and food
One feeding per week is recommended for adult desert kingsnakes. Select a frozen and defrosted rat or mouse that is the same size as the snake’s girth or slightly larger. Pinkie mice should be fed to young desert kingsnakes every four days.
Avoid giving the snake live food because doing so could hurt it.
Keep a water bowl inside the enclosure so the snake will always have access to fresh water.
Handling
It is possible to handle desert kingsnakes, and doing so is advised to tame the snake and make it accustomed to human contact. The snakes normally accept handling, but it is crucial to handle them correctly to avoid their snapping and biting.
To tackle a desert kingsnake, take the following actions:
- Put your hands on the substrate after washing them and lowering them into the enclosure. To get the snake used to you being there, do this again throughout the day.
- After a week, carefully move your hands underneath the snake, placing one hand behind the snake’s head and the other hand supporting the bottom third of the snake. Lift the snake out of its container gently.
- Hold the snake’s body in your arms for support. To secure its position, the snake will loosely wrap its body around your arms. Avoid squeezing or restraining the snake because doing so could make it anxious.
- After ten minutes, bring the snake back to its enclosure. Every day, repeat steps 2 and 3.
Be slow and calm when handling desert kingsnakes, and keep an eye on kids at all times because loud noises and quick movements agitate them.
Typical health problems
The following are some of the health issues that desert kingsnakes in captivity face:
respiratory illnesses
Low temperatures in the snake’s enclosure can lead to respiratory illnesses, including colds and pneumonia. According to VCA, wheezing and open-mouth breathing are symptoms of respiratory infections. Make sure the enclosure is at the proper temperature, and ask your veterinarian about antibiotics to treat the infection.
More; California Kingsnake: Are These Gorgeous Snakes Is It Right For You?
Parasites
Foods or decorations that haven’t been adequately cleaned can bring in external pests like ticks and mites. Infestations with parasites appear as small black or white dots on the snake and inside the container.
By properly cleaning the tank, disinfecting all of the decorations, and administering commercial parasite treatments to the snake, you can treat ectoparasites in captive reptiles.
Breeding
It is simple to breed desert kingsnakes in captivity. The snakes reach sexual maturity between the ages of three and four.
Follow these instructions to breed a pair of desert kingsnakes:
- For breeding, choose a healthy, well-fed male and female.
- The snakes must go 15 days without food to condition. Create a unique breeding enclosure with the same conditions and embellishments as the home enclosures.
- In the breeding enclosure, place the male and female. Reduce the enclosure’s temperature gradually to about 70 °F.
- It can take a few days for the male and female to breed, so keep an eye on them while you wait. Copulation can last for many hours.
- Remove the male from the enclosure after the snakes have finished mating. For up to 70 days, the female will be gravid (pregnant).
- Five to twelve eggs will be laid by the female. Incubate the eggs for up to 60 days to ensure hatching.
- Feed the hatchling pinkie mice every four days after waiting a few days for them to shed for the first time.
- Feed the hatchlings adult food when they are six months old and move them into their own individual enclosures.
How to Select and Purchase a Desert Kingsnake
A desert kingsnake typically costs between $150 and $300. Although this species is offered at pet stores, it is advised to purchase from a reputable breeder to ensure a healthy, carefully raised snake.
In the US, desert kingsnakes are frequently seen. When compared to wild-caught snakes, captive-bred snakes are more docile and used to people. When selecting a desert kingsnake, make sure the snake has smooth, shining scales and bright, attentive eyes. In order to make sure the snake is eating properly, ask the breeder if you can observe it feeding.
Stay away from snakes that exhibit symptoms of illness, such as hazy eyes, markings, redness, or swollen scales.
