King snakes are among the most popular and beloved pet snakes, known for their vibrant colors, manageable size, and docile nature. If you're considering adopting a king snake pet, you're in for an enjoyable and rewarding experience. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about keeping a king snake as a pet, from choosing the right species to caring for your snake.

What is a King Snake?

King snakes belong to the genus Lampropeltis, and they are non-venomous constrictors found in a wide range of environments, from deserts and forests to grasslands. King snakes are known for their unique color patterns, with many species displaying bright and striking combinations of colors like black, white, yellow, and red.

Despite their intimidating name, king snakes are gentle and friendly, making them excellent pets for both beginners and experienced snake enthusiasts. They are also named "king" because they are known to be immune to the venom of other snakes, often preying on them in the wild.

Popular King Snake Species for Pets

When it comes to king snake pets, several species are commonly kept by reptile enthusiasts due to their temperament, appearance, and size. Here are some of the most popular species:

1. California King Snake (Lampropeltis getula californiae)

The California King Snake is one of the most popular species of king snakes and a great choice for first-time snake owners.

• Size: Typically grows to 3 to 4 feet in length, though some individuals may reach up to 5 feet.
• Appearance: California King Snakes are known for their black and white or black and yellow striped patterns, giving them a distinctive appearance.
• Temperament: They are generally docile and easy to handle, making them great for beginners. However, they may be a bit defensive as hatchlings but become calm with regular handling.
• Care Requirements: California King Snakes need a warm environment with temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C) and a basking spot around 90°F (32°C). A simple substrate like aspen bedding or coconut fiber works well.

2. Mexican Black King Snake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita)

The Mexican Black King Snake is an all-black variety of the California King Snake, loved for its sleek and striking black coloration.

• Size: Typically grows to 3 to 4 feet long.
• Appearance: These snakes are known for their solid black color with a shiny, almost iridescent appearance. They are truly striking and a favorite among snake collectors.
• Temperament: Like the California King Snake, Mexican Black King Snakes are usually calm and gentle, making them perfect for handling. They are also relatively easy to care for.
• Care Requirements: Similar to other king snakes, they require a temperature gradient, with a warm side around 85°F (29°C) and a cooler side around 70°F (21°C). These snakes thrive in dry environments and will need a hide for security.

3. Scarlet King Snake (Lampropeltis elapsoides)

The Scarlet King Snake is a smaller species of king snake known for its bright red, black, and yellow coloration.

• Size: Grows to around 2 to 3 feet long.
• Appearance: These snakes have vibrant red, black, and yellow bands around their bodies, resembling venomous coral snakes, though they are completely non-venomous.
• Temperament: Scarlet King Snakes are known for being active and slightly more nervous compared to other king snake species, but they can still be handled with care once they are used to their environment.
• Care Requirements: These snakes require a warm environment and a proper humidity level. A temperature gradient of 75-85°F (24-29°C) should be maintained, with a basking spot reaching around 90°F (32°C).

4. Eastern King Snake (Lampropeltis getula getula)

The Eastern King Snake is another variant of the common king snake species, known for its beauty and manageable size.

• Size: Typically reaches around 4 to 5 feet long.
• Appearance: They are often black with white or yellowish markings, and they may have a more muted pattern than other king snakes.
• Temperament: Eastern King Snakes are generally calm, but like many snakes, they may need time to acclimate to handling. They become more tolerant of handling as they get used to their owners.
• Care Requirements: Eastern King Snakes need an enclosure with a temperature gradient between 75°F and 85°F (24-29°C), with a basking spot around 90°F (32°C). They should also have access to a hide and a shallow water dish.

Choosing the Right King Snake for You

When choosing a king snake pet, it's important to consider factors such as size, temperament, and care needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Size: Consider how much space you have for a snake. While most king snakes grow between 3 to 5 feet in length, some species like the California King Snake may stay smaller, while others like the Eastern King Snake can grow larger.
• Temperament: If you're a beginner, it's generally recommended to choose a species known for its docile nature, such as the California King Snake or Mexican Black King Snake. These species are more likely to tolerate handling and interact calmly with their owners.
• Coloration: King snakes come in a variety of color patterns. Consider whether you want a classic black-and-white pattern, a solid black snake, or a brightly colored one like the Scarlet King Snake.
• Care Needs: While king snakes are relatively easy to care for, make sure you can provide the correct habitat conditions for the species you choose, including temperature gradients, proper humidity, and hiding spots.

Caring for Your King Snake Pet

Once you've chosen your king snake pet, it's important to provide the right environment and care to ensure it thrives. Here are some key tips for taking care of your king snake:

1. Enclosure

• Size: For an adult king snake, you should provide an enclosure that’s at least 40 gallons, though a larger tank is always better. A 20-gallon tank may be suitable for hatchlings, but it will need to be upgraded as they grow.
• Substrate: Use a substrate like aspen bedding, cypress mulch, or coconut fiber. These substrates are easy to clean and provide the right texture for burrowing.
• Hides: Provide at least two hides—one on the warm side and one on the cool side of the enclosure—so your snake can feel secure.

2. Temperature and Humidity

• King snakes need a temperature gradient to regulate their body temperature. Keep the warm side of the tank between 85-90°F (29-32°C) and the cooler side between 70-75°F (21-24°C).
• Use a heat lamp or heat pad to create the basking spot. Avoid heating the entire tank to prevent overheating.
• Humidity should be maintained at around 40-50%. If your snake is shedding, you can increase the humidity slightly to help with the process.

3. Feeding

• Diet: King snakes are carnivorous and primarily eat small rodents like mice and rats. Hatchlings typically eat pinky mice, while adults may require larger prey, such as adult mice or small rats.
• Feeding Frequency: Baby king snakes should be fed once every 5-7 days, while adults are typically fed every 7-10 days.
• Feeding Method: It's best to feed your king snake pre-killed or thawed frozen rodents. Live prey can cause stress or injury to your snake.

4. Handling

• King snakes are generally easy to handle, but it’s important to let them acclimate to their new home first. After a few weeks, you can start handling them for short periods (10-15 minutes) and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.
• Always handle your snake gently and avoid squeezing or grabbing them too tightly.

Conclusion

A king snake pet can be a fantastic addition to your home, offering beauty, calmness, and a fascinating natural history. With species like the California King Snake, Mexican Black King Snake, and Scarlet King Snake, you can enjoy the stunning colors and patterns of these reptiles while providing them with the proper care they need to thrive.

By choosing the right species, setting up the ideal habitat, and providing regular feeding and handling, your king snake will be a healthy and enjoyable companion for years to come. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced reptile keeper, a king snake is a rewarding pet that’s sure to capture your attention and admiration.