Makin Ophidian Morphs
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  • boa
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  • king snake
  • milk snake
  • garter snake
  • water snake
  • green tree python
care guide
  • Snake care guide
  • disabled snake care guide
Makin Ophidian Morphs
Home
About us
FAQ
Feeder rats
Popular Snake Species
  • boa
  • ball python
  • corn snake
  • hognose
  • king snake
  • milk snake
  • garter snake
  • water snake
  • green tree python
care guide
  • Snake care guide
  • disabled snake care guide
More
  • Home
  • About us
  • FAQ
  • Feeder rats
  • Popular Snake Species
    • boa
    • ball python
    • corn snake
    • hognose
    • king snake
    • milk snake
    • garter snake
    • water snake
    • green tree python
  • care guide
    • Snake care guide
    • disabled snake care guide
  • Home
  • About us
  • FAQ
  • Feeder rats
  • Popular Snake Species
    • boa
    • ball python
    • corn snake
    • hognose
    • king snake
    • milk snake
    • garter snake
    • water snake
    • green tree python
  • care guide
    • Snake care guide
    • disabled snake care guide

About king Snake's

Key Characteristics

  

  • Non-venomous: Kill prey by constriction.
     
  • Medium size: Adults typically grow 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 meters).
     
  • Bold patterning: Many species have striking colors, including bands, stripes, or speckles.
     
  • Resistant to venom: Can eat venomous snakes safely.

Where They Live

 

  • Found in forests, grasslands, deserts, and wetlands across the U.S., Mexico, and parts of Central America.
     
  • Adaptable and often found near farmlands or human settlements.
     
  • Can climb trees and burrow, depending on the species.
     

Diet

 

  • Other snakes (including venomous species like rattlesnakes).
     
  • Small mammals, birds, lizards, and eggs.
     
  • Constrict their prey before eating.

Behavior

  

  • Generally calm, but can be defensive if threatened.
     
  • Active hunters: Unlike some snakes, king snakes actively search for prey.
     
  • Climbing ability: Some species are semi-arboreal.

Are They Dangerous To Humans

 No—they are harmless to humans. Their bites are rare and mild. 

As Pets

 

  • Popular due to docile nature and striking appearance.
     
  • Require secure enclosures, moderate heat, and hiding spots.
     
  • Can live 15–20 years in captivity.

king snake care guide

introduction

Kingsnakes are hardy, active, non-venomous colubrids native to North and Central America. They’re famous for their bold patterns, strong feeding response, and their tendency to eat other snakes in the wild—hence the name “king” snake.

Adult Size

 3–6 ft (depending on species) 

temperament

 curious, active, occasionally squirmy 

Lifespan

 15–25 years 

Lifestyle

 primarily terrestrial 

activity level

nocturnal and crepuscular


Enclosure set up

tank size, and enclosure type

tank size

 

  • Hatchlings: 10–20 gallons
     
  • Juveniles: 20 gallons
     
  • Adults: 40-gallon minimum (~36–48 inches long)

Enclosure type

 

  • Glass or PVC tanks both work
     
  • Must be escape-proof—kingsnakes are expert escape artists
     
  • Good ventilation is beneficial
     

Kingsnakes enjoy exploring and appreciate horizontal space.
 


Heating & Lighting

Temperatures, Heating Equipment, and Lighting

Temperatures

 

  • Warm side: 85–90°F (29–32°C)
     
  • Cool side: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
     
  • Night temps: no lower than 68–70°F (20–21°C)

Heating Equipment

 

  • Under-tank heater
     
  • Ceramic heat emitter
     
  • Heat lamp (can be used if humidity is maintained)
     
  • All heat must be thermostat-controlled

Lighting

 

  • 12-hour day/night cycle
     
  • UVB optional but can improve activity and appetite


Humidity & Water

Humidity

 

  • Ideal range: 40–60%
     
  • Slightly higher during shed
     
  • Use a digital hygrometer for accuracy

Water

 

  • Medium water dish
     
  • Heavy enough not to tip over
     
  • Refresh every 2–3 days
     

Kingsnakes rarely soak unless too warm or stressed.


Substrate (Bedding)

Spot clean Weekly; full clean every 1-2 months. Kingsnakes like to burrow, so provide a loose substrate if possible.

Recommended

 

  • Aspen shavings (top choice)
     
  • Coconut husk
     
  • Cypress mulch
     
  • Reptichip
     
  • Paper towels or newspaper (for quarantine)

Avoid

 

  • Cedar
     
  • Pine
     
  • Sand


Enclosure Furnishing

Kingsnakes are active and appreciate a stimulating, enriched environment.

Tank Items

 

  • Two hides minimum: warm and cool sides
     
  • Additional hides/clutter recommended
     
  • Cork bark, logs, or tunnels
     
  • Fake or real plants for cover
     
  • Branches for climbing (many kings will use them)


Cleaning and Maintenance

cleaning Tips

 

  • Daily: remove waste
     
  • Every few days: change water
     
  • Monthly: replace substrate and disinfect enclosure
     
  • Use reptile-safe cleaning products


Handling

Handling Tips

 

  • Kingsnakes are active and sometimes wiggly
     
  • Support the body and let the snake move freely
     
  • With regular handling, they become very calm
     
  • Avoid handling during shed or right after feeding
     

Some individuals musk when young; this usually stops with age and gentleness.


Health & Veterinary Care

Find an exotic veterinarian experienced with snakes.

Signs of good health

 

  • Clear, alert eyes
     
  • Smooth, shiny scales
     
  • Active exploring behavior
     
  • Regular appetite

Signs of illness

 

  • Mouth gaping or wheezing
     
  • Refusal to eat for several weeks
     
  • Mites
     
  • Regurgitation
     
  • Scale rot
     
  • Extreme thinness


Shedding

Never pull the shed; assist only if stuck on the tail or eyes. A clean, one-piece shed indicates correct humidity.

Shedding Tips

 

  • Young snakes shed more frequently
     
  • Adults shed every 4–8 weeks
     
  • Pre-shed: cloudy eyes and dull skin
     
  • Provide a moist hide
     
  • Increase humidity slightly


Safety Precautions

tips to protect you and your snakes

 

  • Wash hands before and after handling
     
  • Make enclosure escape-proof
     
  • Do NOT cohabitate kingsnakes—they will cannibalize
     
  • Supervise children
     
  • Quarantine new snakes 60–90 days


Record keeping

Documenting

 

  • Feeding log
     
  • Shed dates
     
  • Weight tracking
     
  • Health notes
     
  • Vet visits

sneklog is amazing for tracking weight and when they last ate

Add a footnote if this applies to your business

Feeding Guide

Diet

 

  • Frozen-thawed rodents
     
  • Mice for juveniles; adults can take mice or small rats
     
  • Prey size: same width as the snake’s thickest part


Feeding Schedule

 

  • Hatchlings: every 5–7 days
     
  • Juveniles: every 7 days
     
  • Adults: every 10–14 days


Feeding Tips

 

  • Use tongs
     
  • Kingsnakes have very strong feeding responses, so use caution
     
  • Never house with other snakes—they will eat them
     
  • Avoid handling after eating. Juveniles 3-5 days, adults 5-7 days


Still unsure about what to feed your snake? 

you can contact us and we will help!

Contact Us

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