California King Snake

Information 

The California kingsnake is a nonvenomous snake endemic to the western United States and northern Mexico. Due to ease of care and a wide range of color variations, it is one of the most popular snakes in captivity. The "king" in their name refers to their propensity to hunt and eat other snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes, that are commonly indigenous to their natural habitat. California kingsnakes often live for more than 20 years

Diet 

The California Kingsnake should be fed rodents, usually mice, You can offer live reptile food or well-thawed frozen mice. Live adult mice can inflict wounds to your kingsnake. Fresh killed and frozen-thawed are best.

Lighting - Tempature 

California kingsnakes require no special lighting if the cage is in a room with natural light. Be sure not to place the cage in or near a window where the sun will shine on the cage, or it can become too hot and fatal for your kingsnake.

Enclosure 

A general rule is that if the snake crawls around the perimeter of the cage and doesn’t cover more than 2/3 of the distance, the cage is large enough – but bigger is better. A baby California kingsnake can live in a shoebox-sized cage for several months until it outgrows it. An adult California kingsnake requires a 40-gallon reptile terrarium or larger enclosure. Be sure it has a secure, escape-proof opening. If there is a weakness, the kingsnake will find it and escape!

Weight - Size 

• Hatchlings -  8 to 12 inches
• Maximum adult size for California kingsnakes is more than 6 feet in length
• Weights - 1 to 3.3lbs