🐍 General Info


The King Snake (Lampropeltis spp.) is a hardy, medium-sized, and highly adaptable snake native to North and Central America. They’re found in a wide range of habitats including forests, grasslands, deserts, and rocky hillsides. The name “king” comes from their ability to prey on other snakes, even venomous ones like rattlesnakes — thanks to their natural immunity to certain snake venoms.

King snakes come in many subspecies and color variations, including the California King Snake (Lampropeltis getula californiae), Mexican Black King Snake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita), and Eastern Chain King Snake (Lampropeltis getula getula). They display bold banding or striping patterns in combinations of black, white, yellow, and red.


Adults typically reach 3–5 feet in length, depending on species, and are known for being active, curious, and relatively easy to handle, making them excellent choices for both beginner and experienced keepers.


Enclosure

  • Size:

  • Juveniles: 20-gallon long (30” x 12” x 12”) minimum

  • Adults: 40-gallon breeder (36” x 18” x 18”) minimum Larger enclosures are always appreciated, as king snakes are very active and enjoy exploring.

  • Material: Glass or PVC enclosures work great. PVC holds heat and humidity well and is lightweight. Make sure it has a secure lid or locking doors, as king snakes are notorious escape artists.


  • Substrate: Use aspen shavings, cypress mulch, coconut husk, or a paper-based substrate. Aspen is preferred for burrowing and odor control. Avoid cedar or pine, as the oils can be toxic.


  • Décor: Provide at least two hides — one on the warm side and one on the cool side. Add branches, rocks, cork bark, and fake plants for climbing and enrichment. A larger water dish should be big enough for soaking but not so deep that it risks tipping.


  • King snakes are terrestrial but will use low branches or décor if given the opportunity.


Temperature & Lighting

  • Basking Spot: 88–90°F


  • Cool Side: 75–80°F


  • Night Temperature: Can safely drop to 70–75°F


  • Heating: Use a heat mat or radiant heat panel controlled by a thermostat to maintain stable temperatures. Avoid hot rocks, as they can cause burns.


  • Lighting: King snakes are diurnal to crepuscular, meaning they’re active during the day and twilight hours. While they don’t require UVB to survive, low-level UVB (2–5%) can support better calcium metabolism, digestion, and natural behavior.


  • Day/Night Cycle: Provide 12 hours of light daily. Use a timer to maintain consistency.


Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 40–60% King snakes do well in moderate humidity. Mist lightly if your home is dry, but avoid overly damp conditions to prevent scale rot.


  • Shedding: Provide a humid hide with damp sphagnum moss or paper towel when the snake is preparing to shed (eyes turning cloudy or blue). This helps ensure clean, complete sheds.


  • Water: Always provide a clean, fresh water bowl large enough for soaking. Change the water daily and disinfect the dish weekly.


Diet

  • Type: Strictly carnivorous — feeding primarily on rodents in captivity.


  • Staple Foods:

  • Appropriately sized frozen-thawed mice or rats (never live prey unless absolutely necessary).

  • Feed prey roughly the same diameter as the thickest part of the snake’s body.

  • Feeding Frequency:

  • Juveniles: Every 5–7 days

  • Adults: Every 10–14 days

  • Feeding Tips:

  • Thaw prey completely and warm to about body temperature before feeding.

  • Avoid handling for 24–48 hours after feeding to prevent regurgitation.

  • King snakes have strong feeding responses — use tongs to avoid accidental bites.

  • Occasional Treats: While not necessary, some keepers occasionally offer small chicks or quail eggs as enrichment food items.


Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: King snakes are generally docile, curious, and confident once accustomed to handling. Juveniles can be nervous or defensive at first, but this usually subsides with consistent, gentle handling.


  • Handling:

  • Start with short, calm sessions a few times per week.

  • Always support the snake’s body fully and avoid sudden movements.

  • Wash hands before and after handling, as king snakes may mistake warm, rodent-scented hands for food.

  • Avoid handling during or immediately after shedding and 1–2 days after feeding.

  • Enrichment: King snakes are active explorers. Rearrange enclosure décor occasionally or offer supervised exploration time in a safe area.


Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 15–25 years in captivity with proper care.


  • Common Health Issues:

  • Respiratory Infections: From low temperatures or poor ventilation. Symptoms include wheezing or mucus around the mouth/nose.

  • Mites or Parasites: Watch for small black dots on scales or unusual soaking behavior.

  • Scale Rot: Caused by overly wet substrate or poor hygiene.

  • Regurgitation: Often due to handling too soon after feeding or improper temperatures.

  • Shedding Problems: Resulting from low humidity.

  • Prevention: Maintain proper enclosure conditions, feed appropriately sized prey, and clean regularly. Quarantine new snakes for at least 30 days before introducing them near others.


Final Note: The King Snake is a beautiful, hardy, and fascinating species that makes an excellent pet for keepers of all experience levels. Their striking colors, manageable size, and curious personalities make them one of the most rewarding colubrids to care for. With consistent temperatures, a secure habitat, and proper feeding, your King Snake will thrive for decades as a captivating and resilient reptile companion.