Eastern Kingsnakes are incredible snakes that dominate the southern forests that are found in North America.
They are known as “Kingsnake” because of their courage in the face of deadly snakes. They are immune to venom and they are able to effortlessly hunt and kill, and consume snakes that are venomous.
It is easy to recognize because of their shiny black scales that are adorned with chains of white or yellow. Selecting a color pattern is among the most enjoyable aspects of acquiring this species. Color also has the largest factor in the price of snakes, with them priced between $50 and $650.
These snakes of a small size are simple to handle and adapt easily to captivity, and are able to handle handling from the age of.
If you think the Eastern Kingsnake has captured your curiosity, keep reading to learn how you can transform the King of the Forest your personal snake…
Eastern Kingsnake Overview
This snake species is among the snakes with the highest distribution found in North America.
They can be found in any location between northern Mexico from southern New Jersey.
Eastern King Eastern King is currently listed as “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is protected within certain forests in the southern part within North America due to deforestation (making them vulnerable to birds that prey on them) as well as urbanization.
They are usually a shiny black or dark brown in color , with yellow or white bands on their backs. The bands meet on both sides to create an “chain” pattern.
They are scientifically known as Lampropeltis goula gotula chosen due to their distinctive design and pattern of chains.
- Lampos means “radiant”
- Pelta means “tiny shields”
- Getula is a reference to the Getulians from Morocco who used chains in their clothes and art.
Despite being famous for their temperamental personalities as infants they are among the most suitable for those who are just beginning because they are easy to manage with the hands and enjoy eating diverse food items.
What We Love about Kingsnakes
Pros
- The snakes are famous for eating venomous due to their immunity to venom.
- As an infant, they become tame and swiftly.
- The snake is regular eater and is able to adapt very well to frozen prey that has been frozen and thawed for their diet
- They are durable snakes, and do not require specialized care.
Cons
- This snake has specific temperature needs in their enclosure.
- They are required to live in a separate space and are not able to live together.
- In the event that they’re treated in a manner that is not correct or too often they could bite or spray musk because they are afraid.
Species Appearance
There are nine subspecies that are recognized of Kingsnakes.
The Eastern species has the same appearance as some of the recognized subspecies within their family. They sport glossy black scales , with chains of white or yellow.
Genetic studies indicate that 5 subspecies are worthy of recognition as their own species
- Eastern lineage (Eastern Kingsnake)
- Mississippi lineage (Black Kingsnake)
- Central Lineage (Speckled Kingsnake)
- Desert lineage (Desert Kingsnake)
- Western branchage ( California Kingsnake)
Eastern Kingsnake Size
The eggs hatch at between 8-12 inches. They typically grow to 2 feet at the beginning in their initial year. They will grow to full size by five years old, measuring between 3-5 feet in length.
In comparison to others North American snakes (e.g. such as the Bull Snake, Indigo, and Rat Snake), this snake is tiny.
The snakes are known to be slender and long with short, stout head.
There aren’t any significant visual distinctions between females and males. Probes remains the sole proven method for sexual sexing.
Colour Variation and Signings
Eastern Kingsnakes are like many of the nine subspecies of the scientific family.
They sport an dark brown or black body with any type of of yellowish-white speckles or bands on their bodies.
Speckled Apalachicola Speckled, Apalachicola Black species all have variations of speckles that are light on larger scales.
California, Florida, and Eastern are mainly banded with chains-like patterns. California Kings, however, tend to be thinner and more white bands than yellow.
The most unique subspecies is the Brooks with a light brown Kingsnake as well as the black Mexican Black. Mexican Black Kings are jet black with no pattern. The Brooks are speckled, however they they are light brown in hue.
Enclosure and Set-Up
Eastern Kingsnakes live in the terrestrial world (i.e. don’t live in trees as other reptiles do) however they are usually found in water areas. They are often found in pinelands, wood forests and wetlands. They can also be found in swamps, wetlands as well as farmlands and urban areas.
Despite their extensive geographic spread they are remarkably discrete.
This species hidden in burrows and stumps, or under logs, boards Tins and the bushes.
By providing natural habitat and hiding areas within their enclosures will enable them to engage in the typical behavior. The snake you choose to keep should exhibit the digging, exploring or basking behavior. To keep these snakes happy and healthy, a naturalistic enclosure is best.
Eastern Kingsnakes typically grow 3-5ft in length, but certain species exceed this. As the snake gets bigger it will require larger enclosures.
- Babies should be kept in vivariums of 10 gallon (or similar plastic bathtubs).
- At 24 inches The juvenile Eastern Kingsnakes need to upgrade to an 20 gallon length.
- If your snake is more than 4 feet, it’s time to upgrade to a 40-gallon aquarium.
Keep in mind that the species you are observing is terrestrial, therefore you should focus on floor space not the height!
- Tank Type: Glass vivarium.
- Tank Size 20-gallon.
- Lighting: 75-100 watt basking bulb.
- Substrate: Topsoil.
Leaves, sticks, litter, hay or straw can be used for an environmental benefit..
Be sure to clean the outdoor decor using bleach solution of 10% and then let it sit for three to five hours in sunlight to eliminate any pathogens. Make sure you add places where snakes can wrap itself around and hide.
A large water basin for drinking and soaking should be placed in their enclosure.
Last but not least, secure a lid to stop escape. Screen tops with clamps for terrariums or a lock-top lid that has ventilation vents for breathing will work.
All Kingsnakes self-thermoregulate, which means they require the right temperature in the enclosure:
- Eastern Kingsnakes need a cool side that is 75degF to 80degF. It is possible to heat this with an under-tank heating device or a low high watt ceramic emitter. Both require an electronic thermostat and thermometer.
- The most hot part of their enclosure ought to be between 85-90 degrees F. The most hot spot should be right under a 75-100watt basking lamp. A spot lamp that is basking is the best choice since it could be used as a night-day cycle.
Don’t use heat stones or heat pads in the tank. Snakes will sat on them and get severe burns because of the constant temperature.
Utilizing substrates that can be easily altered is a great idea for infants.
The reason babies are kept in a paper or newspaper towels.
While they are able to be a paper-based animal adults would prefer 2 inches of substrate to burrow and digging.
The most appropriate substrates for adults include coconut fiber organic topsoil (without perlite) as well as bark chips or even aspen shavings.
It is best to stay clear of cedar or pine shavings. The dust and oils that come from these kinds of woods may cause eye irritation and respiratory problems for your snake.
Tank Cleaning and Misting
The process of cleaning your snake’s tank is easy, yet essential to ensure good health.
Every couple of days, you need to cleanse the tank and remove any hair, skin and food that has not been eaten.
Substrates should be replaced each 3-4 times per week. If you don’t clean your area frequently , it should be done every two weeks.
Changes in the substrate can prevent fungal or bacterial growth out of getting into the soil. This can help prevent problems like respiratory diseases.
In the event of a change in substrate even if you are emptying the tank think about scrubbing the decor and using bleach solutions of 10% to disinfect the tank’s interior.
Check to ensure that the tank is completely dry prior to installing the new substrate.
Eastern Kingsnake Care
What are Eastern Kingsnakes Eat?
Eastern Kingsnakes can be opportunistic hunters.
In the wild they consume Lizards and frogs, salamanders, salamanders and smaller mammals and birds and even other snakes.
The snake’s ability to expand their jaws to devour prey that is almost the same size in size as the body. The ability to constrict also makes them adept at eating snakes identical in their size.
When you are in captivity the best thing to do is feed frozen frozen prey. This can help avoid injuries from prey that occur while feeding.
These snakes quickly adapt to prey that has been frozen and then thawed.
To melt prey
- Prey that is frozen can be placed in fridge for a night (or in the cold water for 30-60 minutes).
- After thawing, place the bagged rodent into an ice bath to increase its temperature (do not utilize the microwave defroster as it’s just a way to breed bacteria).
As they age and gets larger in size, their food consumption will increase, while frequency will decrease.
Infants should be fed every 5-7 days. Children should be fed for 7-10 days and adults once between 10 and 14 days.
It isn’t easy to locate frozen salamanders therefore it is recommended to feed them frozen rodents, mice as well as chicks. Prey should not be larger than the broadest portion that the snake is. This can help reduce the risk of having a regurgitation.
If you choose feeding live animals it must be removed promptly in the event that it is not eaten. Also, you should look over your snake’s eyes as well as face for signs of injury after every meal.
Also, make sure you make sure that you provide your snake with a water dish as they’ll drink from it.
Common Health Problems
As with all animals snakes are also susceptible to illnesses and health problems.
If you maintain a consistent and proper approach to management, these hardy snakes will live to be as old as 15-25 years. A careful and thoughtful approach to the care of your snake are essential in making sure they last for that long.
A few commonly-spread diseases comprise:
- Mouth has begun to rot
- Internal parasites
- Mites
- Scale rot
- Inclusion Body Disease
- Infections of the respiratory tract
- Anorexia caused by stress
Mouth rot is usually caused by an immune system that is weak or an injury to the mouth that is not treated. In the event that the swelling and the discharge are discovered at an early time, it can typically be treated using antibiotics by the veterinary.
The reason for scaling rot is due to a dry or dirty substrate, which allows for bacteria to grow. It is usually treated through cleaning of the aquarium and leaving for the snake’s healing on clean towels for a few weeks.
Mites are typically treated with prescription products such as Prevent-a-Mite however a veterinarian must be sought out to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Like any reptile it is important to be attentive and take note of your regular food intake, bowel movements and activity levels.
Any sign of abnormality could indicate the need to consult an veterinary.
The Signs That They Are Healthy
- Hunting/foraging behaviors.
- Regularly eating.
- Eyecaps remain on the sheds.
Sickness Signs
- Self-soaking for a long time at one time.
- Refusing to eat prey.
- Stuck sheds onto the eyes or body.
The Typical behavior
This species of snake is cannibalistic, so any form of cohabitation would likely lead to one snake being eaten.
In the wild in the wild, it is known as the Eastern Kingsnake is a feisty snake. They’ve learned the art of intimidation, fear, hiding, flight and self-defense.
If threatened, the species can show fast rapid, fast moves.
Their jerky movements help make any predators nervous when they are near. If this doesn’t work, and they are unable to hide then they’ll typically shake their tail like rattlesnakes..
They are single in the wild, when they are not mating.
In captivity, the snakes remain calm and peaceful as they age. Regular, gentle handling allows them to become more accustomed to touch from humans.
Your snake is likely to enjoy digging, exploring and playing. Therefore, you must offer plenty of places to hide and a shady base to in promoting these behaviors that are natural.
In general, they are friendly and gentle as children as well as adults. The behavior of infants may have to be regulated however, their bite is not something to worry about.
Are Eastern Kingsnakes venomous?
No. They are not venomous however, biting them can be stressful for a new owner. If a snake is bitten in the wild, a Kingsnake will likely release the smell of musk, which is unpleasant and may even bite. While it’s not a problem, it can be unpleasant!
They don’t bite, but they are well-known to restrict themselves and chew on what they consider to be prey.
Handling Tips and Advice
Any reptile can carry Salmonella. Although it’s harmless to the snake but it could infect you and cause severe digestive side effects.
Hand washing prior to or after handling items is vital. Hands cleaned using soap, warm water and mild detergent is suggested.
You must be sure to handle your snake often. This will ensure that they aren’t aggressive as they grow older.
As a baby, you are able to generally reach out slow and gently take them out. If your snake is unstable, you can use an incredibly small snake hook to inform them that they’re being handled.
If you handle it often the snake will eventually be calm and calm. But it is important to keep in mind that each snake is unique and may not be able to adjust to handling the same way as other snakes.
Baby Eastern Kingsnake
The majority of babies are similar to adults in appearance (e.g. colors and patterns) as well as behavior and their diet (besides taking smaller predators). After hatching they become independent.
Males are known to befriend females in Spring. They’ll kiss the female’s neck, then wrap their tails around her neck and start writhing.
Females lay two clutches during the summer, with 10-24 eggs per.
After 60 to 75 days, the snakes will hatch and they are prepared to hunt and searching for homes.
What is the cost of an Eastern King Snake Cost?
There are Kingsnakes on sale for anything between $50 and $650. Pattern and color have the most impact on the price.
Morphs are developed to increase their appearance. The more rare the form is, the more costly the snake.
Buyer’s Guide
The species isn’t endangered However, you must always check local and state laws before deciding to adopt. A lot of states have laws that govern native species, which means you might need to choose one of the subspecies.
You should purchase the snake through a trusted breeder.
Always search for a active or alert snake before you buy!
Healthy snakes are active, explorers and searching for an area where they can be secure. If a snake appears slow or unfocused and has a wobbling or shaky head, or appears like it is “star-gazing” it is most likely sick.
Eastern Kingsnake Facts
| Common Name | Chain Kingsnake, Common Kingsnake |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lampropeltis getula getula |
| Price | Between $50 and $650 |
| Size | 3-5 feet long |
| Lifespan | 15-25 years old |
| Diet | Lizards, small mammals amphibians, birds and snakes |
| Tank Size | Minimum 20-gallon; 40-gallon preferred. |
| Humidity and Temperature | Ambient Temperature: 75degF-85degF Basking Temperature 90degF-85degF Humidity: 35%-60% |
| Popular Alternatives | Corn Snake, Rat Snake and Scarlet Kingsnake |
Summary
Eastern Kingsnakes are medium-sized, beautiful snakes , which are a pleasure to take into captives.
They are tough pets that are well-fed and move frequently in the space. The high level of activity is a reason why any pet owner should ensure a comfortable and healthy enclosure.
If you love this species of Eastern Kingsnake, there are eight different subspecies to pick from, which have similar needs for care and size. Other species of snakes that are similar to the Eastern Kingsnake include:
While temperatures can be challenging however, this snake is simple to maintain, which makes them among the most loved snakes for beginners.
Are you ready to crown the new King at your own home? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below!
