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Snake / Beginner friendly

California Kingsnake

Lampropeltis californiae
Origin
Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico
Adult size
90–120 cm long
Temperature
24–30 °C
Humidity
40–60%
Adults eat
About every 10 days

The California kingsnake is a hardy, active snake with bold bands or stripes. It is a great beginner snake and lives 20 years or more.

Give a warm side of 28 to 30 °C and a cool side of 24 °C. Keep one snake per enclosure, because kingsnakes eat other snakes, including their own kind.

Feed juveniles every 5 to 7 days and adults every 10 to 14 days. It feeds eagerly, so use tongs. Make sure the lid locks, as it is an escape artist.