These delightful little snakes are the perfect pet for any reptile enthusiast. Not only are they beautiful and relatively easy to care for, but they can also provide hours of entertainment as you watch them explore their enclosure.
California Kingsnakes can grow up to 4 feet (1.22 m) long and live up to 20 years with proper care. They’re docile, rarely aggressive, and come in a variety of color morphs. It requires a 20-gallon (75.71 l) tank to thrive. Adding substrate such as aspen bedding helps with humidity regulation.
Their docile nature and moderate size make them the perfect beginner’s snake. In this article, I’ll provide the information you need to start caring for a California Kingsnake.
The California Kingsnake
California Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula california) are a species of non-venomous colubrid snakes from the Colubridae family and are part of the genus Lampropeltis. They are native to the western United States and parts of northern Mexico, where they are found in various habitats, including woodlands, grassland, and deserts.
They are renowned for their beauty, docility, and ease of care. Their small size [adults average 3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 m)] and hardy nature make them an ideal pet for both experienced and beginner snake keepers.
They are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night and spend their days hiding in underground burrows or basking. The California Kingsnake is a constrictor, killing its prey by squeezing it until it can no longer breathe.
It does not possess any venom and is harmless to humans.
Appearance & Morphs
California Kingsnake has a slender and streamlined body. They come in various colors, and the morphs have unique coloration, ranging from nearly white with black outlining to yellow with white outlining.
Some of the morphs include:
- Albino: Due to genetic mutations, some of these snakes come in an albino pattern. This means they have a whitish, grayish, pinkish, or yellowish body with red eyes. They are vibrant and beautiful creatures but seem almost luminescent in certain lighting.
- Lavender: The lavender morph has two forms, the T-positive albino morph, and the standard lavender morph. The T-positive albino morph has a dark pinkish/ lavender on cream or yellow base color, while the standard lavender morph has a mix of light and dark pinkish /lavender tones on a white or yellow base color.
- Banded: The Banded California Kingsnake is a unique color morph with two distinct black or brown bands around the body. They have lighter-colored stripes between the bands, which may be tan or white. Banded kingsnakes also have a unique pattern of black and white or yellow scales on their bellies.
- Striped: The Striped California kingsnake has distinct black, white, and yellow stripes that run down its body lengthwise. It is one of the most popular morphs due to its striking appearance and vibrant colors.
- Dot Dash: These snakes get their name from the distinctive pattern of dark bands on a light background. They have a series of pale yellowish saddles with jet-black lines in between, giving the snake its classic “dot-dash” pattern.
- High White: These striking snakes vary in color from near-white to light brown and have a unique pattern of black spots running up and down the body.
- High Yellow/ Banana: Their striking yellowish coloration can vary from pale cream to bright yellow and have a pattern of big, black blotches that run down their backs and tails. This pattern can vary from snake to snake, with some sporting more prominent markings than others.
Size
With average lengths ranging between 3 to 4 feet (0.91 to 1.22 m) for adults but with some reaching up to 6 feet, They are not heavy or bulky reptiles, making them an ideal pet for those who want a snake that won’t take up too much space. The California Kingsnake is considered a medium-sized snake and thus has moderate care requirements.
Lifespan
The typical lifespan of a California kingsnake is around 10- 15 years. However, if you provide proper care, it can live for as long as 20 years.
The age of your snake can be determined by its size – the larger the snake, the older it is likely to be. Their age can sometimes be determined by their patterns. Older kingsnakes usually have more distinct patterns than younger ones.
Care Requirements
Keeping this snake as a pet requires commitment and knowledge. The environment in which your snake will be kept must have appropriate temperatures, humidity, and lighting.
Temperature
Kingsnakes require a thermal gradient in their habitat. This means that the temperature should be cooler on one side and warmer on the other, allowing your snake to move between the two.
An ideal temperature range for the cooler side is around 70- 75°F (21-24°C), and for the warmer side, 84-88°F (29-31°C). The habitat should also include a hiding spot with an ambient temperature of 84°F (29°C).
Humidity
The humidity levels required for these snakes are slightly higher than many other species, typically ranging from 50-60%. Ensure your kingsnake’s enclosure is not too humid or too dry. A good way to monitor humidity is by keeping a hygrometer in the enclosure.
Lighting
The California Kingsnake requires a day and night cycle of 12 hours each, which can either be provided with natural sunlight or artificial light. You need to use artificial lights with an infrared basking light with a regular day/night cycle.
However, this should be used sparingly, as too much light can lead to dehydration. A low voltage LED light can also be as it won’t produce too much heat.
Heating
It requires a gentle and consistent heat source to ensure proper digestion, thermoregulation, fluid balance, immunity, and overall health.
You can use an under-tank heater, a basking spot lamp, a combination of both, or a temperature controller with one or both. They should not be exposed to direct heat sources and should be provided with an appropriate hiding spot.
Hibernation
Hibernation is an important part of the life cycle of a California Kingsnake. During the winter months, they will go dormant and seek a secure place. They will curl up into a tight ball and wait until the temperatures increase before they come out of their slumber again.
Although they can tolerate lower temperatures, California Kingsnakes should not be exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods.
Enclosure
Being terrestrial, California kingsnakes need to be housed in an enclosure with enough floor space for the snake to move around and explore. Use an enclosure that has a secure top opening.
The enclosure should also be escape-proof, as these snakes can easily sneak out if not secured properly. Choose an enclosure with a secure locking lid, and ensure it is large enough for your snake to stretch out comfortably.
Housing
Your snake’s enclosure should contain some hiding spots and places to explore. This can be done with branches, logs, rocks, and other safe items for your snake to climb on and hide under.
The enclosure should be decorated with a substrate layer that can help hold humidity and provide an attractive environment for your snake. The substrate should be kept clean and replaced regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
How To Pick Up
Picking up a California Kingsnake correctly ensures its safety and comfort. Before handling your snake, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. This will reduce the chance of transmitting bacteria or parasites that could harm it.
- Always use two hands when it’s time to pick up the snake.
- Place your dominant hand underneath its body and gently scoop it up.
- Support its body with your other hand, and keep a firm yet gentle grip.
- As you move the snake, support its body and never attempt to dangle or drop it.
Remember that snakes can feel threatened very easily, move slowly and calmly when handling your Kingsnake. If it’s not used to being handled, it may try to wriggle away or bite. Don’t panic if it does, as this is normal behavior for a scared snake.
Keep a firm grip and slowly move it back to safety. Never handle your snake after it has just eaten or shed its skin. These are times when it will be more sensitive and could become stressed or injured if mishandled.
Shedding
It undergoes molting or shedding of its skin in the same way as other reptiles. Its old skin splits near the jaws, and it slips out from it like a sock, leaving a new, smooth layer of skin underneath.
This is normal behavior and does not need to be worried about. However, ensure its cage has proper humidity levels and adequate substrate that helps it complete the shedding process without getting stuck.
It usually sheds at least once in two months, although young snakes shed more frequently than adults (1-2 times per month). During the shedding process, your snake should be left alone and not handled too often. It’s also advised to use gloves when handling the snake to avoid any skin infection caused by bacteria or fungi.
If your snake gets stuck while shedding, apply a warm damp cloth on its body to help it release the old skin. Be careful not to rub the snake’s body too hard. You can take your snake to a veterinarian for assistance and care if all else fails.
Water
You’ll need to provide your snake with a fresh water bowl. Ensure the bowl is wide and shallow so your snake can easily access the water. The bowl should also be large enough to fit the entire length of your snake, as they love soaking in water.
If you notice your snake is having difficulty accessing the water bowl, you can use rocks or other objects to make a ramp. Keep the water fresh and clean by changing it at least every other day.
Diet
These kingsnakes have a big appetite and can eat small rodents, lizards, and other snakes. Give your Kingsnake a varied diet to ensure a balanced nutritional intake. Ideally, you should feed your Kingsnake live food as it will provide more of a challenge and stimulate its natural hunting instinct.
If you choose to feed your Kingsnake frozen foods, ensure it is thawed thoroughly before feeding, and never overfeed, as this can lead to obesity.
Use feeding tongs or tweezers to give your Kingsnake its food, as it can mistake your fingers for prey and attempt to bite them. Their eyesight is not very good, so they rely mostly on smell and movement to detect prey.
Behavior & Temperament
California kingsnakes are generally calm and docile. They do not usually bite but may musk or defecate if they feel threatened or scared.
They are not particularly active and can be handleable with proper care, but they should never be handled too roughly or over-handled, as this can lead to stress. They are solitary animals, so keeping them in their enclosures is best.
Health Issues
They are prone to various respiratory illnesses as well as other parasites. Keep a good eye on your snake and have regular check-ups with a vet. Signs of respiratory illness include discharge from the eyes and nose, wheezing, open-mouthed breathing, and bubbling in the mouth.
If your snake has these symptoms, have them seen right away. Mites are a common issue for snakes and can be spread to other animals in the home. Keep your snake’s environment clean with regular cleaning and disinfecting of its enclosure.
Handling Them
They are generally docile and undemanding animals. As they get older, they tend to become more active, so be prepared for them to become livelier than their younger counterparts.
When handling your snake, do so with caution and patience. Even though they are not aggressive, they may bite if startled or mishandled. Allow your snake to become accustomed to you and your home by handling it regularly. When you do handle it, use two hands for maximum support and control.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Kingsnakes
Can You Train a California Kingsnake?
You can absolutely train your kingsnake. Like many other pet snakes, they can learn to associate certain behaviors with being fed. This means that they’ll be more likely to respond when you call their name or offer them a treat.
Start by offering simple treats like mealworms or crickets when looking to train your snake. When they eat it, give them verbal praise or gentle petting. Over time, your snake will associate this positive reinforcement with being fed, and they’ll soon begin to respond to certain instructions.
How Much Does A California Kingsnake Cost?
The price of acquiring a California kingsnake usually varies depending on location and resources. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to over $200 for a captive-bred snake. This price range can be influenced by the snake’s color (and pattern), age, and size.
Are California Kingsnakes Poisonous?
California kingsnakes are non-venomous, which makes them perfectly safe pets. They are, however, capable of biting and inflicting a painful bite if mishandled. Therefore, handling your snake with care and utmost gentleness is important.
