Published 10 July 2025
California Kingsnakes are hardy, curious, and beautifully patterned colubrids with a reputation for being both easy to keep and entertaining to observe. Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, they thrive in arid to semi-humid environments and have become one of the most popular pet snakes in the world.
These snakes are active and enjoy exploring, so give them room to roam. A 3x2x2 ft enclosure is the bare minimum for an adult, though a 4 ft length allows for better enrichment and temperature gradients. Glass or PVC enclosures both work well, as long as the space is secure and well ventilated.
Use substrate such as aspen, cypress mulch, or paper. Provide multiple hides, a medium-sized water dish, and safe climbing decor like branches and cork bark.
No UVB is strictly required, but a low-level 2–5% UVB light can be beneficial for natural rhythms and long-term health. Always use thermostats and digital thermometers.
California Kingsnakes are excellent feeders, but can become overly food-focused. Always feed with tongs and avoid handling for 48h post-feed. Track feeding dates to spot patterns — for help, check out our data tracking post.
Most kings are calm with regular, confident handling. However, they are strong for their size and may be jumpy at first. Handle 2–3x per week in short sessions, always supporting their body and allowing them to explore at their own pace.
Fun fact: Kingsnakes get their name from their ability to eat other snakes — even venomous ones. So avoid housing them with anything else, including other kings.
These snakes are inquisitive and benefit from environmental changes. Rearranging décor, offering burrowing zones, and rotating hides can all encourage natural behaviours. Many keepers report kings exploring shortly after changes.
California Kingsnakes are an ideal choice for both beginner and intermediate reptile keepers. With manageable size, strong feeding habits, and captivating patterns, they’re one of the most rewarding colubrids to care for. Just give them space, consistency, and enrichment — and they’ll thrive for decades.
Want to track your kingsnake’s feeding and shed cycles? Our free care tools are launching soon — check them out here or join our email list for early access!
Written by the ReptiCareAI Team – Powered by experience, backed by data, and built with AI.