California Kingsnake
Bold-banded, hardy and easy to keep.
California kingsnakes are active, hardy snakes that come in striking banded and striped patterns. They are excellent for beginners but must be housed alone.

Photo: Connor Long · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Daily care
4′×2′×2′ for adults with a locking lid; warm side 85–88°F.
Frozen-thawed mice every 7–14 days.
Clutter and climbing branches.
Humid hide during shed.
Common health concerns
Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.
- Respiratory infections
- Mites
- Stuck shed
- Regurgitation
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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.