Care sheet

California Kingsnake

Lampropeltis californiae

Also known as: Cal King

Colubridae · Squamata

BeginnerIUCN LC

Activity: 🌆 Crepuscular
Temperament: Docile
Adult length: 36–60 in
Adult weight: 400–900 g
Lifespan (captivity): 15–25 yrs
Native range: Western United States and Baja — chaparral, desert, grassland

Add as snakePre-fills species + scientific name. You can change anything before saving.

Care guide

Overview

California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) — Hardy, long-lived, and widely available. Alert and active for a snake; may be more bitey as hatchlings, typically settles down with regular gentle handling. Housing note: cal kings are ophiophagous (snake-eating). Never house two kingsnakes together. Secure the enclosure thoroughly — they are strong and persistent escape artists.

Environment

Climate

Cool side

70–78 °F

Warm side

78–85 °F

Basking spot

85–90 °F

Nighttime

65–75 °F

Humidity (ambient)

40–60%

Shed-cycle boost

55–70%

Housing

Enclosure

Orientation

Terrestrial

Bioactive setup

Suitable

Minimum size by life stage

HatchlingShoebox or 10 gallon
Juvenile20 gallon long
Adult48"L x 24"W x 24"H (≈ 4 x 2 x 2 ft)

Housing

Substrate

Depth

1.5–3 in

Safe options

aspen shavingscypress mulchpaper-based bedding

Avoid

cedarpine

Nutrition

Diet & feeding

Dietary type

Strict carnivore

Prey size by life stage

HatchlingPinky mouse
JuvenileHopper to adult mouse
AdultAdult mouse or small rat

Feeding frequency by life stage

HatchlingEvery 5–7 days
JuvenileEvery 7 days
AdultEvery 7–14 days

Prey ratio by body weight

Stage

Body weight

Prey (% BW)

Interval

Hatchling
up to 30 g
10–15%
5–7 days
Juvenile
31–200 g
10–12%
7 days
Subadult
201–500 g
8–10%
7–10 days
Adult
501 g+
5–10%
7–14 days

Feed prey roughly the listed percentage of the snake's current weight, at the listed interval. Use it as a starting point — adjust based on body condition, not the calendar.

Feeding thresholds

Typical hatchling weight

8–20 g

Power-feeding line

> 15% body weight

30-day weight-loss concern

> 10% in 30 days

Supplementation

Whole prey adequate; no supplementation required.

Care

Water & behavior

Water

Large enough to soak. Cal kings are notorious escape artists — ensure a heavy, tip-resistant bowl.

Brumation (optional)

Brumation not required for pet-kept animals. Required for breeding; keepers should not house multiple kingsnakes together — this species is cannibalistic (the 'king' in kingsnake refers to ophiophagy).

Defensive displays

muskingvibrating tailoccasional strike

Legal & ecology

Conservation

IUCN Red List

LC · Least Concern

Genetics

Morphs

Morph market

Active

Complexity

Moderate

Citations

Sources

Every husbandry parameter on this page is backed by the references below. Click through to read the originals.

California Kingsnake Care
Tree of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center
veterinary
Veterinary husbandry reference for Lampropeltis californiae.
Published: 2023-01-01
California Kingsnake Care
Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital
veterinary
Veterinary care reference for Lampropeltis californiae.
Published: 2020-01-01
Kingsnake Care Sheet
ReptiFiles
breeder community
Well-referenced hobbyist guide for the kingsnake genus.
Published: 2023-01-01
California Kingsnake Care Sheet
Reptiles Magazine
breeder community
Industry magazine husbandry reference.
Published: 2022-01-01