Kingsnakes Care Sheet

Kingsnakes Care Sheet

Lampropeltis spp.
Category
Snake
Average Size
3 - 6 feet long
Average Lifespan
15 - 20 years
Diet Type
Carnivore

Diet & Nutrition

King Snakes are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items.

Babies will start with new born pinky mice. A full-grown adult will eat weaned to small rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly.

When feeding live prey, be sure to monitor the feeding to prevent the prey from attacking the snake.

Feeding Schedule

Feed babies 1 - 2 times a week. At 2 - 3 months of age you can reduce to once weekly. Adults can eat weekly, although some keepers feed every other week.

The prey size should be no larger than the largest part of the snake's body in girth.

Housing & Habitat

King Snakes range from Northern Mexico into Central and Northern

United States. In the wild they are found in forested areas. Keep the cage warm and dry and provide plenty of places for hiding. King Snakes should be kept alone. King Snakes are known snake eaters. Housing them together could result in one snake being eaten by another. During breeding, King Snakes may be housed together. Pay attention to the mating to ensure the snakes do not attempt to eat one another.

Enclosure Size

Depending on sub species, adults must have a minimum cage size of 30"

Long x 12" Deep x 12" High, although many keepers prefer a larger cage. Babies can start in 10-gallon tanks.

Substrate

Shredded aspen is a perfect substrate. King Snakes love to burrow.

Shredded aspen provides a fluffy substrate easy for burrowing and cleaning.

Provide 3-6 inches of substrate.

Temperature & Lighting

Temperature

King Snakes require a basking spot of 85°- 90°F. The cool end of the tank can be as cool as 70°F.

Lighting

Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires

UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB.

Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs.

Humidity & Watering

Humidity

Humidity levels should be between 30% - 60%.

Watering

Provide fresh drinking water daily. King Snakes like to soak their body in water. Provide a bowl of water large enough so that the snake can fully submerge its body.

Shop Kingsnakes Supplies

📄 Download Printable PDF Care Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Kingsnakes eat?

King Snakes are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items. Babies will start with new born pinky mice. A full-grown adult will eat weaned to small rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly. When feeding live prey, be sure to monitor the feeding to prevent the prey from attacking the snake.

What size enclosure does a Kingsnakes need?

King Snakes range from Northern Mexico into Central and Northern United States. In the wild they are found in forested areas. Keep the cage warm and dry and provide plenty of places for hiding. King Snakes should be kept alone. King Snakes are known snake eaters. Housing them together could result in one snake being eaten by another. During breeding, King Snakes may be housed together. Pay attention to the mating to ensure the snakes do not attempt to eat one another. Depending on sub species...

What temperature and lighting does a Kingsnakes need?

King Snakes require a basking spot of 85°- 90°F. The cool end of the tank can be as cool as 70°F. Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB. Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs. Humidity: Humidity levels should be between 30% - 60%.