California Kingsnake

General Information

 * Scientific Name: Lampropeltis getula californiae
 * Lifespan: 10-20 years
 * Length: 3-4 feet
 * Carnivore
 * Diurnal
 * Terrestrial

Geographic Range and Habitat
California Kingsnakes are found all along the West Coast of North America. The specific places are California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Northwestern Mexico. The main habitats of this snake are grassland, deserts, marshes, and suburban areas.

Availability
California Kingsnakes are one of the most common snakes in the reptile-keeping hobby and are usually available at most pet or reptile stores.

Behaviour and Handling
These snakes are shy and timid by nature, but also calm. When they are feeling threatened some examples of behaviour are shaking their tail or they can urinate or defecate. Like most snakes, avoid handling when they are shedding and also after they have eaten.

Housing and Substrate
A general rule for the size of the enclosure of a California Kingsnake, is that the length of their body should take up at the most 2/3 of the cage. The cage must be escape proof because these snakes are known for finding a way out. Hatchlings and juveniles can be housed in a 10 to 20-gallon long enclosure. There should be at least two hides in the enclosure, one on the hot side and one on the cool side. Some recommended furnishings for the enclosure are half-logs, grapewood, other pieces of wood, plants, and rocks.

Some possible substrates for California Kingsnakes are paper towel/newspaper, reptile carpet and pine shavings. Pine shavings add extra security because it is possible to burrow in.

Heating and Lighting
The recommended heating method is using a heating pad. The warm side of the enclosure should be 85-88 degrees and the cool side should be 76-80 degrees. At night, the temperature should not be able to drop under the mid 70's.

Diet
The diet for this snake should be composed of appropriately sized rodents. The size of the rodent fed should be about the circumference of the body of the snake. California Kingsnakes should be fed once a week.

Water and Humidity
A large, shallow water dish should always be available for the snake to soak in. The humidity should stay as low as possible.

Sites Used

 * http://www.lllreptile.com/articles/56-california-king-snake
 * http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Snakes/California-Kingsnake/