King Snake Care Sheet

Scientific Name

Lampropeltis spp.

Average Size

120cm (48 inches)

Lifespan

20 years

Natural Distribution

California, Mexico and Arizona

King Snakes eat frozen mice. Defrost first to give your pet the perfect dinner.


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Wooden Vivariums are perfect for King Snakes, the heat is retained inside just how they like it.

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King Snakes need a hide or cave in order to feel safe, secure and stress free.


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King Snakes sometimes like to bath themselves in their water bowl. Just make sure it's big enough for them to fit in!

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We advise using wooden vivariums rather than glass as they retain heat better keeping your pet nice and warm. For a small king snake a 60x37.5x30cm (24"x15"x12") vivarium is adequate. Adults and groups require at least 36"x18"x18".

Beech chip is a suitable substrate as it is dust and mite free, also aspen bedding and hemp bedding are suitable substrates. WARNING: Do not use any damp or wet substrates as these can harbour mites and cause scale rot. Plenty of hides should be provided throughout the vivarium so your king snake can choose which temperature to hide at.

Night time heating is provided by a heat mat at the bottom of one end of the vivarium controlled by a thermostat, about 80oF is fine. During the day a small spot bulb is used to raise the temperature to about 85oF. The spot bulb will also provide a day and night cycle. Temperatures should always be checked by a reliable thermometer.

Day light is provided by the spot bulb used to raise the day temperate. King snakes do not require UV but a 2% UV tube can be used to increase the viewing lighting. (Please ensure you have the correct size starter unit).

As hatchlings, king snakes should be fed weekly on defrosted pinky mice, as the snake grows the food size should be increased until the snake is taking large mice or even jumbos. Adult king snakes can be fed once every two weeks as they can become overweight if fed weekly.
Fresh water should always be available for both drinking and bathing.

King Snakes make good first time pets. They are easy to handle, hatchlings can be very fast so just make sure you handle with care.

King snakes should be kept singly unless breeding. It is not unknown for king snakes to eats other snakes, including other kings!

Regular spot cleaning of the vivarium should be performed to keep it hygienic for both the animal and the keeper. Change the substrate once a month or as required and clean the vivarium with a reptile disinfectant.

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