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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

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.

  1. California Kingsnake Care

    Tree of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center

    veterinary

    Veterinary husbandry reference for Lampropeltis californiae.

    Published: 2023-01-01

  2. California Kingsnake Care

    Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital

    veterinary

    Veterinary care reference for Lampropeltis californiae.

    Published: 2020-01-01

  3. Kingsnake Care Sheet

    ReptiFiles

    breeder community

    Well-referenced hobbyist guide for the kingsnake genus.

    Published: 2023-01-01

  4. California Kingsnake Care Sheet

    Reptiles Magazine

    breeder community

    Industry magazine husbandry reference.

    Published: 2022-01-01