King Snake Care Sheet

Scientific Name: Lampropeltis getulus
Native to: North America
Maximum Length: 2-6 feet
Life Span: 10-15 years

Characteristics:
Our King Snakes are captive bred here at Reptiles by Mack under the watchful care of our snake experts. King Snakes make very good pets because they are very easy to care for and come in a variety of different colors and patterns. Generally curious, easy to handle, and voracious feeders. When your King Snake gets ready to shed, the eyes will turn a milky blue and the body color will start to become dull and develop a whitish sheen. Within a few days, it will shed its skin and be a beautiful glossy snake once again.

Care tips:
Enclosure: Use a 10 gallon terrarium for juveniles and a 20 gallon terrarium for adult King Snakes. Make
sure the snake is no more than twice as long as its enclosure. Also provide hiding places and branches for the
snake to climb on. Provide a secure enclosure, as King Snakes are known as great escape artists. Don’t house
King Snakes together or with other snakes or reptiles. They get their common name from their interest in
eating other snakes, even venomous snakes! Truly the King of the Snakes!

Substrate: You can use Aspen shavings, Sani-chips, cypress mulch, and pelleted paper. California King Snakes will do better on a more dry substrate such as the shavings, chips, and paper. Florida King Snakes will do better on mulch or sphagnum moss as they are from a more tropical habitat.

Habitat: King Snakes love hiding spaces and branches to climb on. Clean their cage at least once a week.

Temperature and Lighting: Temperatures should be around 75-85° F. Radiant heat is recommended. Use an under tank heater as the primary heat source and place it at one end of a long enclosure. King Snakes need 8-12 hours of daylight. Use a red light to view snakes at night.

Food and Water: Baby King Snakes will feed on small pinky mice. As the King Snake grows it can eat fuzzy mice, adult mice, and smaller rats. Frozen/thawed rodents, such as Mack’s Natural Reptile Food Frozen Rodents, are always best because live rodents may harm your snake. King Snake appetites diminish during winter months. Always provide a fresh bowl of water. King Snakes love to soak in their water, especially before they shed.

To download or print this care sheet – Click link: King Snake Care Sheet

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