Owning a BTS and getting a kingsnake

[Craiga 01453]

I seriously can't advocate enough for Kingsnakes. My Cal King, Django is my all time favorite snake.

My boy is housed in the same room with my other snakes, my African Fire Skink and my ferret enclosures and there have never been any issues.

Based on what you are saying about size a King would definitely fit within your parameters, not too girthy. Django is still growing, but very slowly at this point. He's pretty close to maxed out at about 49" and as of last weigh in (a month ago) he was 676 grams.

As for feeding response, he's a voracious eater who has never refused a meal and is happy to take any refusals from the other snakes.

Juveniles can be nippy and will sometimes musk, but will almost always outgrow the behavior with regular handling.
Django handles extremely well and is an absolute sweetheart. Occasionally, he will rattle his tail, letting me know he's a little unsure of being handled. I just give him a minute and he calms right down and is chill as can be when I do pick him up. He is a jerk when in shed, but considering the compromised vision due to the eyes being clouded over, I understand and just leave him alone while he's in shed.

As far as handling after handling your BTS, always washing your hands before and after handling reptiles is a good practice regardless. I've handled my King after handling my Skink, after handling my BP, after handling my hognose and after handling my ferrets. Never been a problem in any way. I just make sure I wash.

But seriously , I can't advocate enough that Kings are great snakes, and great first snakes as well. Husbandry requirements are easy to meet, they are a very manageable size, fantastic eaters and have an alert and curious nature, which makes them enjoyable even when in their enclosures.

I hope I helped! Good luck and feel free to ask any more questions.