Tank Size?

How big of a tank does a California Kingsnake need as an adult? I was considering getting one as my second snake in the future. (Yes, I changed my mind on the Boa... for now.)

Thank y'all.

40+ gallons(Or so I've been told)

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Originally Posted by BallPythonWannaBe

40+ gallons(Or so I've been told)

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Alright, thank you. :)

Yeah, a 40 g breeder should be aight for one :)

Oh, can y'all give me more information on California Kingsnakes? Like what bedding and what kind of lights stuff like that?

Thank you.

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Originally Posted by Axel28

Oh, can y'all give me more information on California Kingsnakes? Like what bedding and what kind of lights stuff like that?

Thank you.

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Pretty much anything. Aspen works well as well as plain old paper towels. If you go on Fauna you can find nice thick precut tank/Cage liners for pretty cheap. They dont need UVB(Although it doesnt hurt to offer) any type of heat light(I assume you mean Heat Lamp?)works as well as heat pads,RHP(Radiant heat panels) and CHE(Ceramic Heat emitters). Very easy to care for,just keep temps 88-90 on Hot side and above 70-75 on the cool side.(Please correct me if Im wrong,I dont actually have a snake. This is just from reasearch)

I cant really think of anything else you would need to know(other than doing additional research cause...research :rofl:) Oh,yes. Kingsnakes are very canabalistic so you might want to wash your hands if you hold your Bp before the king.

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Originally Posted by BallPythonWannaBe

I cant really think of anything else you would need to know(other than doing additional research cause...research :rofl:) Oh,yes. Kingsnakes are very canabalistic so you might want to wash your hands if you hold your Bp before the king.

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Cannibalism is when a species eats it's own kind. Though I agree that if kingnskaes become aggressive around other snakes (believing you here, I know nothing about kingsnakes) Axel28 should wash their hands, but it's not cannibalism, per say. That's more of "wash your hands between each kingsnake so they don't smell their own kind".

I don't mean that in a rude manner I'm just trying to add some more info.

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Originally Posted by GiddyGoat

Cannibalism is when a species eats it's own kind. Though I agree that if kingnskaes become aggressive around other snakes (believing you here, I know nothing about kingsnakes) Axel28 should wash their hands, but it's not cannibalism, per say. That's more of "wash your hands between each kingsnake so they don't smell their own kind".

I don't mean that in a rude manner I'm just trying to add some more info.

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No I agree, I wasnt paying attention to my wording :P I meant that they eat other snakes(cant think of the word right now) although given the oppertunity they arnt very adverse to eating another Kingsnake unless they are breeding.

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Originally Posted by BallPythonWannaBe

No I agree, I wasnt paying attention to my wording :P I meant that they eat other snakes(cant think of the word right now) although given the oppertunity they arnt very adverse to eating another Kingsnake unless they are breeding.

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Ophiophagus

Edit: misplaced an o

I've kept several California kings at various times. Nice pattern, nice temper, and fairly easy to tame. One of the nicer subspecies of king snakes, IMO.

Cage floor area: Not less than half as long as the snake, not less than 1/4 as wide as snake is long. Bigger is better. My Cal kings were around 3 feet long, though record length is 6 feet.

Bedding: Newspaper, aspen, whatever is good for a corn snake.

Temperature: 84-86 degrees Fahrenheit hot end, less than 80 degrees F cold end. Turn off the heat at night.

Ophiophagous means snake eating.

Keep a Cal king in alone in its own cage because it is ophiophagous.

30 gallon breeder sized tank would be fine if you can find one, a few of the exo terras front opening terrariums have those same 36x18x12in dimensions but 40 gallons are much easier to find.

I just replied to another thread about owning a BTS and a Kingsnake. I don't know how to add a link or I would. But check out my reply there.

My adult Cal King is my all time favorite snake. I've kept other Kings in the past as well and absolutely LOVE the species.

As for tank size for an adult, a 30gallon would do the trick, but I keep Django in a 40gallon breeder and he uses EVERY inch. I would hate to see him in a 30 gallon. I have a homemade enclosure now that I am modifying that is bigger and he will most likely end up in there until I build my custom PVC stack.

But seriously, Kings are AWESOME snakes. Check out the other thread with my reply.