CALIFORNIA KING SNAKE

Banded California Kingsnake — Sales & Care Description

The Banded California Kingsnake is a hardy, attractive colubrid known for its bold black-and-white banding and generally manageable temperament. It makes a good choice for keepers looking for an active, relatively easy-to-care-for snake.

Origin

• Native to California and parts of the southwestern United States.

• Found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, rocky areas, scrublands, and woodland edges.

• Commonly associated with the California kingsnake complex (Lampropeltis californiae).

Adult Size

• Typical adult length: 3–4 feet

• Some individuals may reach approximately 5 feet.

• Males are generally smaller than females.

Diet

• Primarily carnivorous.

• Captive snakes are typically fed appropriately sized frozen/thawed rodents.

• Juveniles generally eat smaller prey more frequently than adults.

• Prey should be approximately the same width as, or slightly larger than, the snake's widest point.

Enclosure Size

• Juvenile: 20-gallon enclosure or equivalent

• Adult: 40–75 gallons or larger

• A larger enclosure is recommended when properly furnished with hides, climbing opportunities, and enrichment.

• The snake should have enough room to fully stretch out.

Water & Temperature

• Recommended water temperature: room temperature to approximately 75°F

• Provide a clean, appropriately sized water bowl at all times.

• Warm side: approximately 80–85°F

• Cool side: approximately 70–75°F

• A temperature gradient allows the snake to regulate its body temperature naturally.

• Always verify temperatures with reliable digital thermometers.

Basic Care Tips

• Provide at least two secure hides, one on the warm side and one on the cool side.

• Use a secure enclosure because kingsnakes are excellent escape artists.

• Provide appropriate substrate such as aspen, cypress mulch, or another snake-safe bedding.

• Maintain good ventilation while preventing excessive dryness.

• Handle gently and regularly once the snake has settled into its new enclosure.

• Allow a newly acquired snake time to acclimate before beginning frequent handling.

• Always use frozen/thawed prey when possible for safety and convenience.

• Never leave uneaten prey in the enclosure for extended periods.

• Provide fresh drinking water at all times.

Banded California Kingsnake: An attractive, hardy species with striking coloration that can make an excellent addition to a responsible reptile collection.