Difference between revisions of "Keep a California King Snake"

#Buy a habitat.  Choose a clear glass terrarium or similar container.<ref name="rf1">http://www.lllreptile.com/articles/56-california-king-snake</ref>Though California king snakes usually only get about 4 feet long, some can reach an adult length of 6 feet, so you should get a habitat that can accommodate your snake at its largest possible size.<ref name="rf2">http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Snakes/California-Kingsnake/</ref>

#Secure the habitat.  Be sure that the enclosure is completely escape-proof.  If there is any weakness in the structure at all, your California king snake will find it and get out.<ref name="rf2" />

#Add a viewing light. If you want to be able to see your snake better, you can add a standard florescent bulb to the habitat, or just put a light nearby.  You don’t need any kind of special lighting in the tank.<ref name="rf1" />

#Provide a warm end and a cool end.  Since snakes are “cold blooded,” they quickly become the temperature of their surroundings. You can buy heaters, pads, or cables (online or in a pet shop) for this purpose. Try to make the warm end stay around 85 degrees F and the cool end stay around 70 degrees F.<ref name="rf2" />

#Cover the floor of the habitat.  You can purchase commercial substrates or use newspaper, paper towels, or indoor carpet. Don’t use cat litter or anything chemically treated or oily.  Avoid anything that has an odor.<ref name="rf2" />

#*If your snake can’t burrow into the floor covering of your choice, provide a few places for it to hide inside the tank so that it feels secure. You can use half-logs, cork, or pieces of grapewood.<ref name="rf1" />  

#Add climbing structures. If you want, you can add a few branches or other structures for your snake to climb on and hang from. These aren’t strictly necessary, but they’ll make your tank more interesting for both you and your California king snake.<ref name="rf1" />  

#House your snakes alone or with appropriate buddies.  Never keep them in a habitat with other kinds of snakes.  The only acceptable grouping of king snakes is one adult male and few adult females. Don’t keep juvenile king snakes in the same habitat, because they might eat each other. Wait until snakes are adult size (more than 2 feet) to introduce them to their potential roommates.<ref name="rf2" />

#Feed your snakes alone. Never feed two king snakes in the same habitat.  Separate them for a few minutes before they eat to avoid food aggression, and then keep them apart for several hours after they’ve finished.<ref name="rf2" />

#Feed your snake mice.  Live mice are fine, but they’re not required, and they can often wound your snake.  Freshly killed mice are the best choice, but if you want to freeze some for convenience, it’s okay to give your snake a very well-thawed one.<ref name="rf2" />

#*When your snake is a baby, feed it newborn mice (about the size of your pinky). Increase the size of your mice as your snake grows.  The largest adult snakes can often handle a small rat instead of multiple mice.<ref name="rf1" />  

#Stay away from your snake until the lump from the mouse disappears. Don’t pick your snake up until it has digested the mouse enough that the lump in its middle has disappeared, because it might still feel aggressive before its food is digested.<ref name="rf2" />

#Provide fresh water.  Use a relatively deep bowl. Sometimes king snakes like to take a soak in their water bowl, so fill it up only about halfway to prevent them from spilling the water over the edges. Check the water bowl every day, and keep it clean. <ref name="rf2" />

#Handle your snake gently. Remember that this is a wild animal, so it may be afraid of you for quite some time. Hold your snake gently, and stay away from its face, especially at first. Start with just a few minutes of handling  once a week and work your way up. <ref name="rf2" />

#Watch for shedding. Don’t handle your snake when it’s getting ready to shed. You’ll know this is happening when their skin starts to turn milky or bluish.  In a few days, they’ll crawl completely out of their old skin, and it will be safe to hold them again.<ref name="rf2" />

#*Particularly around the time when they’re shedding, king snakes will enjoy an occasional mist of water all over their tank. Any plastic or glass spray bottle will work.<ref name="rf3">http://www.thekingsnake.co.uk/common_king_snakes_care_sheet.htm</ref>  

#Don’t restrain your snake. California king snakes almost never bite, but if you restrain them, they may.  Never pinch or squeeze them. Let them flow gently through your hands and fingers. Don’t let them dangle unsupported.<ref name="rf4">http://www.vmsherp.com/CarePages/CareCalKing.htm</ref>

#Find a vet who knows about snakes. Most vets don’t come in contact with snakes that often; they tend to have a lot more experience with animals like dogs and cats. You may have to travel to find a competent vet, so it’s a good idea to get acquainted with one before anything goes wrong so you can call them if you have questions.<ref name="rf5">http://www.kingsnake.com/vets.html</ref>

#Watch for mites. These tiny black parasites love to live on king snakes. Keep an eye out especially around their eyes, mouth, and under their scales.  If you notice that your snake is lethargic or not eating, mites may be the cause, so give them a good inspection.<ref name="rf3" />

#Keep an eye out for respiratory infections.  If your king snake sounds wheezy or has excessive saliva, it may have a respiratory infection (caused by a dirty cage, low temperatures, or contact with another infected snake). If the problem persists for more than a day or two, or if you feel alarmed, call your vet. Your king snake may need an antibiotic.<ref name="rf3" />

#Pay attention to regurgitation. It’s not uncommon for snakes to regurgitate part of their meal after they eat it, but since this may be a sign of serious illness, you should keep an eye on your snake for other symptoms if you see them do this. If it happens repeatedly or your snake starts to lose weight, it’s time to take it to the vet.<ref name="rf3" />