Mexican Black Kingsnakes are common nonvenomous snakes throughout North America.
They belong to the Eastern Chain Kingsnake. The family of snakes is well-known for their capacity to ward off poison and eat snakes with venom.
Black Kingsnakes get their name due to their dark brown and black coloration. Although they are not named they are able to shimmer with enamel that creates an amazing blue iridescence when in the daylight.
When they are used as pets, they eat a very simple diet and can handle handling well.
What else can you ask from a snake that is a beginner?
If you’re looking for a an easy pet snake for your child take a look at this article to discover how to take care of the kind of animal…
Mexican Black Kingsnake Overview
The Mexican Black Kingsnake is a nonvenomous snake indigenous of North America.
They are often found in all of the Sonoran Desert, north-western Sinaloa, Mexico, and Arizona.
See more https://thereptilebay.com/sonoran-gopher-snake/
These snakes of black are one of the many species of Eastern Chain Kingsnake and are scientifically classified within the Lampropeltis getula family.
Black Kingsnakes have been often referred to as Lampropeltis Getula nigrita due to the black color of their appearance. Its distinctive color and lack of patterning differentiate it from its heavily patterned cousins.
The term “Lampropeltis” refers to the shimmering enamel on their scales which reflect blue in the daylight.
Many herpetologists believe they should be classified as a distinct branch of the western Kingsnakes as a result of their variety.
There are several ways to group these species within the United States.
Do Mexican Black Kingsnakes Make Good Pets?
They’re an excellent option for those who are just starting out because they are easy to handle, have basic food requirements and like being handled. A lot of pet owners are looking to keep them for their more than just black color!
They are extremely active and are often observed hunting and basking throughout the day.
Pros
- Easy to use by beginners.
- They are active throughout the day and will spend time climbing or swimming.
- It is easy to feed and has mice with a diet that is simple.
Cons
- It is not possible to cohabitate with.
- It is possible to be temperamental in young children however, they become more calm after frequent handling.
- They require a particular cage to be set up.
Species Appearance
Many novices make the mistake of thinking this snake is an alternative Kingsnake or the dark corn snake.
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are easily identified by their totally black appearance and this is also true of their bellies.
It is the sole snakes in their family that does not have a pattern. Young snakes only have just a few spots beneath their cheeks.
For the untrained eye, sexing this snake is almost impossible without the aid of a probe. The only difference is the tails’ shapes. Males and females are usually similar in size.
Mexican Black Kingsnake Size
Adults are about four feet following three years of development. This is the norm for all snakes of this family, however different subspecies have been reported to have a length of six feet long.
Mexican Black Kingsnake hatchlings are born between six and eight inches long. They continue to grow and grow by doubling each calendar year, until reaching their maximum size.
Mexican Black Kingsnake Care Sheet
This snake can eat venomous snakes (i.e. ophiophagy) because they have a natural resistance to many venoms.
Feeding A Mexican Black Kingsnake
The snake is famous for its large appetite and hunting skills.
In the wild, these predators will feast on:
- Birds
- Eggs
- Lizards
- Rodents
- Toads
In addition, they consume other snakes. This is due to the fact that they are not able to withstand pit viper venom, and can devour rattlesnakes and other snakes that are venomous.
They are a form of constrictor. They are robust and can take on snakes that are as big in size as.
The species is capable of eating prey larger than it is because of its jaw’s expansion. But, pet snakes must feed prey around similar to the most thick part of their body.
In the enclosure the animals thrive the diet of frozen, thawed mice.
The use of frozen rodents that have been thawed is recommended since live prey can fight, and may cause severe scratching that could lead to an infection.
Then, you should defrost their prey the same way as meat that is raw. If you’ve forgotten and are caught up in the rush it is also possible to place the rodent that you have bagged in the bowl of water that is warm ( not boiling) to gradually bring the temperature up to 98°F.
Rodents frozen in thaw are readily welcomed by Kingsnakes:
- Babies must be fed once every five days.
- After one year of age, eating should be reduced to every 7-10 days.
- Adults should be fed at least every 10 – 14 days but not during the time of shed.
If your pet is not interested in the rodent, take it away within two hours and dispose of your trash bin. Don’t re-freeze it.
It is always a great idea , so why not consider feeding a frozen chick that has been frozen and thawed.
See more: Florida King Snake
Mexican Black Kingsnake Lifespan
It is believed that black Kingsnakes can be kept for as long as 25 years when kept in captivity..
The most important factor to prolonging your life span is to provide proper care and paying close attention to the behavior of your snake and its health.
Snakes may develop health issues or even illnesses. However, with the right food and care, many snakes are able to avoid:
- Auto cannibalism or anorexia
- Intestinal parasites
- Mouth rot
- Mites
- Infections in the respiratory tract
Mouth rot and other issues or intestinal parasites, as well as respiratory problems are identified and treated by veterinarians since they typically require medication or antibiotics.
The snake’s behavior is the only diagnostic you’ll require for mites. They shed frequently, but they rarely create a full shed. In extreme cases, they could soak for long times.
Anorexia as well as auto-cannibalism are both behavioral issues that are commonly found in stressed snakes.
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are known to try to eat themselves due problems with husbandry or frequent feeding.
Signs They Are Healthy
- Food that is consistent.
- Complete and regular shedding.
- Hunting and foraging behavior.
Sickness Symptoms
- Refusing to bite prey or self.
- Stuck shed.
- Open mouth breathing or wheezing.
- Self-soaking over long time.
Mexican Black Kingsnake Enclosure
The Mexican Black Kingsnakes live mostly terrestrial, and tend to remain close to or on the ground. Despite their terrestrial habits the snakes are able swimmers and climbers so don’t be shocked when you spot one soaring over a bird’s nest.
They are located in both the rocky desert areas as well as zones of vegetationn within their area of.
To stay cool, they usually use shrubs or rodent burrows to conceal.
In the wild, Mexican Black Kingsnakes live in harmony with humans and are often located in suburban and rural yards. In urban areas, they could be found hidden under timber, tin or other debris.
Cage and Set Up
To recreate their natural environment it is important to offer natural decorations. This will give your snake an environment that is enriching and allows to engage in normal activities like exploring, climbing, and swimming.
Also, you should provide lots of hiding and basking areas.
It is essential to select the appropriate kind that will be suitable for the enclosure you are creating. Screen-top enclosures are not able to keep humidity in check, and tubs made of plastic are overheated. Plastic enclosures made of glass or with vents are the best choice:
- Tank type Glass.
- Tank Size: 40-gallons.
- Lighting: basking required.
- Substrate Mixture of sand and soil.
Babies must be housed in enclosures of 15-gallon size.
Adults and juveniles require larger tanks of 20-gallon and 40-gallon, respectively.
If the tank isn’t big enough, they’ll scratch their noses on the glass. This happens frequently for snakes kept in the enclosure of a smaller size.
Tanks that are longer and have greater floor space are more suitable because this species is mostly terrestrial.
Due to the fact that Mexican Black Kingsnakes are found in both vegetative and desert habitats, a variety of substrates can be employed. The coconut fibre and the soil is both acceptable to use however when placed in enclosures with plastic, they can make the humidity rise too much.
A mixture of soil and sand is the best choice. It’s flexible enough to allow for burrowing and will remain moist to manage humidity.
Beware of using cedar and pine shavings as they can cause irritation. dust particles that could cause respiratory and eye problems for snakes who like to burrow.
Tank Temperature, Heat Gradient and Humidity
The tank should be lowered in temperature to ambient temperatures of 75 degrees. A low-wattage ceramic heat emitter can help keep the temperature at 75degF.
Snakes regulate their thermoregulation by shifting between cool and warm zones. This is why it is essential that the tank they are in has a temperature gradient
- The temperature of the enclosure must be between 88-90degF on an area of basking. This can be accomplished by placing the 75 watt bulb for basking placed over a solid or flat piece of wood placed in some corner in the tank.
- The temperature in the surrounding area should be 75-80degF.
Mexican Black Kingsnake are desert snakes that do well in humid environments ( between 40 – 60 percent) as well as high temperatures. Tanks that are overly humid or wet could breed microbes and mold. This could lead to respiratory problems or even scale rot.
It is recommended to clean your tank each day to eliminate feces as well as any shed.
Every four weeks, conduct a thorough clean by changing the snake’s substrate and disinfecting all décor.
Mexican Black Kingsnake Temperament
This species is very active during the day.
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are found spending the majority of their time hunting prey.
If they capture prey, they bite in a tense manner and tighten their muscles around the prey. Because they’re not venomous, they rely solely on their strength and strength to capture prey.
They are animals that only socialize to mat.
If they come across another wild animal and they feel threatened, they might be loud, shake their tails or flatten their head, curl up with jerky movements, and strike.
A furious Mexican Black Kingsnake can make a foul-smelling combination of feces as well as oils everywhere you go.
In the winter months, this species is known to find deep burrows to dig in. At this point, their metabolism slows down, which allows them to go for four months with no food.
Mexican Black Kingsnake pets will be active and active throughout the day.
In the evening, they usually relax, and then search for an appropriate place to hide to stay the night.
Are Mexican Black Kingsnake Poisonous?
They’re not poisonous. However, they should be handled regularly when they are young.
In the absence of regular care, they can become anxious and more likely to behave defensively (e.g. the tails of their dogs wiggle, hiss and even strike).
Young snakes may be aggressive or a bit defensive however with time and repeated handling, they tend to get used to it.
Try gently scooping it up using one hand, or scooping it with both hands. Both methods are stress-free.
To protect yourself from infection caused by Zoonotic disease (e.g. salmonella) ensure that you clean the hands you handle after handling.
Mexican Black Kingsnake Baby
This snake species lay between 6 and 12 eggs (i.e. is oviparous) in summer. After 65-80 day egg eggs be born. Females don’t care for their children, and will not leave their eggs once they’ve laid.
Mexican Black Kingsnake babies begin to hatch at 8 inches long. They grow in size each an year up to 4 feet long.
Once they hatch, they immediately begin to hunt for their first meal.
Babies are born with yellow spots under their chins or a subtle yellow pattern that runs towards their belly. It fades into an unmistakable black after a couple of weeks ( pictured above).
How Much Do Mexican Black Kingsnakes Cost?
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are priced between $200 and $250. Size and age may impact the price.
Before buying this species, you must confirm if the snake is wild-caught or captive bred.
Wild snakes that are caught may carry ailments, or be stressed in captivity or protected in specific states. The purchase of these snakes also puts the wild population under pressure – this should be avoided.
Also, make sure your snake is alert and alert.
Mexican Black Kingsnake Facts
| Common Name | Black Kingsnake |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lampropeltis getula nigrita |
| Price | ~$200 |
| Size | 4 feet long |
| Lifespan | Between 15 and 25 years |
| Diet | Mice and chicks |
| Tank Size | 40-gallon glass |
| Humidity & Temperature | Daytime temperature: 75- 80degF Basking Spot: 88 – 90degF Humidity: 40 – 60% |
| Popular Alternatives | California Kingsnake, Corn Snake and Ball Python |
Summary
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are medium size hardy snakes that can easily adapt to captivity and make excellent pets.
Their stunning black color and blue scales that sparkle are what make them so well-known. They also are very active in the daytime and can be fascinating to watch.
The process of taming a young Mexican Black Kingsnake as well as the process of setting up their enclosures can take a lot of time however it’s worthwhile!
If you think that this snake is fun to take care of but you don’t have time for managing it, think about other species for beginners.
Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
