California King Snake Care Guide

Disclaimer: Information on the care guide is information that I have used myself and information that I have gathered from others that also keep California king snakes. Any medical advice given is not a substitute for vet care.

California king snake (Lampropeltis getulus californiae)

California king snakes are one of the most popular of pet reptiles. They are attractive and easy to care for. Although as youngsters they do have a tendency to be nippy or smear feces/urine on their handlers, they grow out of it as they get used to being handled, however some individuals will always do it. Adults normally tolerate being handled but should not be overly handled to reduce stress. California king snakes are a small species of snake only reaching lengths of 4-5 feet. In some cases individuals can reach 6 feet.

Snakes do not make good pets for children due to the fact that they can easily escape and/or get injured. Young king snakes also tend to be nippy and might scare a small child.


How do I pick a California king snake?

When selecting a California king snake be sure to handle the snake before you buy it. Make sure that it is not wheezing, the eyes and clear and bright, the nostrils are clean and free of debris, and there are no skin irritations or abrasions. Run a hand along the snake to and look at your hand to be sure there are no mites present. Mites are a very serious health issue and a snake with mites should not be purchased. Along with checking for mites be sure that the snake is eating and is a healthy weight.


What kind of habitat do you need?

An enclosed glass, plastic, or wood habitat should be used. Snake racks can also be used as a suitable home but are mostly used by experienced keepers. When choosing an enclosure keep in mind that California king snakes are escape artists! Make sure that the enclosure can be sealed and there is no way for the snake to get out. Enclosures with a locking lid work best. Do not use screen lids that do not lock! The snake can and will push the top off the aquarium and get out! If they get out it is often times very difficult to find them if they can be found.


What size enclosure?

California king snakes can be kept just fine in an enclosure equal to that of a 20 gallon long. The bigger the enclosure, the better. Make sure to provide more floor space than height because California king snakes are ground dwelling but do climb if provided with decor to climb on.

What kind of heating do they require?

King snakes don't require any fancy lighting. A clamp lamp with a basking bulb will provide enough heat for them. Heat tape can also be used on one side of the tank. Under tank heaters can also be used. Neither the tape or under tank heaters provide any light and a florescent lighting may be used for display purposes. Never use heat rocks! Heat rocks are very dangerous because they overheat very easy and can cause thermal burns which could kill your pet!

Basking areas should be kept around 80-90 degrees. The "cool" area of the tank should be kept around 70-80. Reptiles are cold blooded and can not produce body heat and rely on basking area to control their body temperature. In addition to the basking light an under tank heater can be used. the under tank heater can be used at night to boost temperatures. Not providing proper heating can cause severe health issues or death.


What kind of substrate should be used?

King snakes require a dry substrate. Paper towel, newspaper, aspen shavings, and Carefresh bedding are all appropriate to use. Never use cedar or pine they are toxic and can kill reptiles! Reptile bark or coconut bark can also be used but it has to be kept dry to prevent skin problems. Since California king snakes are a desert species the habitat must stay dry all times.


What do they eat?

Hatchlings will eat frozen or live pinkie mice (newborn pink babies). Once the snake reaches 30 inches it can be offered fuzzies. Adult king snakes will each adult live or frozen mice. Some snake owners like to offer adult snakes live or prekilled chicks in addition to mice.

King snakes are easy to get to eat prekilled frozen mice or chicks. Live food is not recommended due to the fact that a live mouse can do quite a bit of damage or even kill a king snake. Even if a mouse does not attack your king snake they can carry parasites which can be transferred to the snake so it is best to stick to frozen. Frozen foods must be thawed out before given to the snake otherwise it can cause digestive problems or even frostbite.

If live prey is chosen, keep in mind that it has a higher chance of causing serious injury to your snake.  Live prey can also carry parasites and pose other health issuses that can be avoided by feeding frozen prekilled feeders.  Live feeders can cause life threatening injuries to your pet.

It is recommended that the snake is provided a separate feeding tank so that it does not accidentally strike at a hand that is in their habitat. Use of a feeding tank will tell the snake that there is no food in the habitat and that the only time it gets food is in the feeding enclosure.


How often should they eat?

Hatchlings should be fed two or three times a week. Juvenile king snakes should be fed once every four or five days. Adults should be fed every 7-10 days. King snakes do have a tendency to over eat and feeding more than one mouse per sitting to an adult is not recommended unless the snake is underweight.


How often should the cage be cleaned?

As with any pet the habitat should be spot checked daily. Any feces should be removed on a daily basis. Bedding and full cage cleaning should be done once a week to prevent bacteria build up. Disinfecting wipes can be used to disinfect the habitat. Bleach can also be used with caution. Dilute a cap full of bleach for every five gallons of water. Rinse everything very well in hot water and allow it to dry before putting it back in the enclosure.


How long do they live?

California king snakes can live up to 20 years or more with proper care.