Common name : California Kingsnake
Scientific name : Lampropeltis getula californiae
Longevity : 10 - 15 years (average)
Distribution : Oregon, Arizona, California, and the Baja Peninsula of Mexico. Can be found in deserts, forests, river bottoms, and brushy areas.
Size : 7" - 9" as hatchlings. Adults can reach between 36" - 60".
Growth : Can reach 3' in the first year. On average, about a foot per year after the first year.
Food : Rodents of the appropriate size should be offered to babies every 4 - 5 days. Adults should be fed every 7 - 10 days. The general rule of thumb is to feed the snake a prey item that is equal to or greater than the snakes' largest diameter. ( A small meal is better than a large one) Scenting of pinkies with lizards may be required to entice picky eaters to begin feeding.
Housing : Babies should be housed in a 10 gallon aquarium for their first year. Adults should be have the equivalent of 72" x 24" x 24".
Temperature and humidity : Daytime temperature should be in the 80 - 86 degree range, with a night drop to 70 -80 degrees. Brumate (hibernate) in darkness at 55 degree for 8 - 12 weeks. Access to a water bowl should provide adequate humidity.
Photo period : 12 -14 hours of daylight in the summer. Darkness in the winter.
Lighting : Full spectrum UVA/UVB lighting is not necessary.
Heating : Under the tank reptile heating pads will provide 24hr bottom surface heat, which is essential for proper digestion. Incandescent lights with a dome reflector situated above basking areas will provide the proper daytime heat gradient. Be sure to use a properly placed high temperature thermometer to ensure the temperature does not exceed 90 degrees.
Substrate : Newspaper or carpet type material is recommended for its ease of cleaning and removal. For a more natural looking vivaria, orchid bark (Repti-Bark), pea gravel, aspen shavings, or pine shavings can be used. If you use shavings or gravel, you must ensure that the substrate is not ingested during feeding as this can lead to impaction and/or death. NEVER USE CEDAR OR REDWOOD SHAVINGS AS THEY CAN BE HARMFUL OR FATAL !!!
Water : Water should be made available in a large sturdy water bowl at all times. Aside from the necessity of providing water, a water container will also raise the humidity and provide an area for soaking to aid in proper shedding.
Maintenance : A weekly maintenance schedule should be implemented with all snakes. Clean the enclosure to remove feces and replace areas of soiled substrate as needed. The water container should be removed, cleaned, and disinfected weekly (sooner if the snake defecates in the water bowl, which is common for the bull snake). Never allow the substrate to remain damp as this could lead to to skin and health problems.
Eggs and incubation : A brumation period of 8 - 12 weeks at a temperature of 55 - 60 degree range is necessary. It is very important to cease feeding 3 weeks prior to brumation to ensure that the digestive tract is empty. Incubate eggs at 80 - 85 degrees for 55 - 65 days in a water and vermiculate medium at 90% humidity.
Notes : This species does very well in captivity. Only the Corn Snake rivals this species in color morphs, variations, and patterns. This species must be maintained separately and watched closely during breeding season as they will readily feed on other snakes, including their potential mates.
