Description

How did the king snake get its name?
The claim to fame of this snake is the "king" in their name (as with the king cobra)  which refers to their taste for other snakes. King snakes are powerful constrictors and can eat coral snakes, rattlesnakes and others.

What do they look like?
King snakes grow to a size of between 3-6 feet long

These snakes have smooth, shiny, unkeeled scales and the head is barely wider than the neck. King snakes come in a variety of colors ranging from black and white striped or bands to chocolate, lavender, albino and loads more. They are often bred to be specific colours. Their colours in nature often mimic the venomous coral snake in appearance which serves to protect them from predators.

Do they bite?
Kingsnakes are generally docile, curious and gentle and are one of the most popular snakes bred for beginners to own as pets. They are easy to care for, hardy and adaptable although the young snakes may bite so when feeding it is better to use a tong.

How long do they live?
King snakes live between 15-20 years

Behaviour
In nature King snakes are active in cool weather during the day, at night and at dawn in higher temperatures. As pets King snakes are more active at night. They are docile snakes and very adaptable.

Natural Habitat

Found in wide variety of habitats, from forests, woodlands, grasslands, farms, deserts and suburbs. These snakes enjoy hiding and will be hard to discover in their natural habitat.

Diet

What do they eat?

In the wild tend to be opportunistic when it comes to their diet, they will eat other snakes, including venomous snakes, lizards, rodents, birds and eggs, frogs, chicks, salamanders. The Common King snake genus (group of species) are known to be immune to the venom of other snakes and are known to eat rattlesnakes (note — King snakes are not necessarily immune to the venom of snakes from different localities).

Water
Your snake will need water for drinking and soaking itself so keep clean water in the enclosure and ensure that it's at room temperature. A heavy dish several inches in diameter makes a good water source. You may find you snake soaking in the dish, particularly before a shed. Snakes often defecate in their water, in which case it should be immediately cleaned.

Housing / Terrarium

Terrarium: (A miniature landscape with living plants and small animals like snakes).
At full grown all these snakes must be housed in a 20 - 25 gallon (about 75 liters) enclosure.

Cages
Snakes are excellent escape artists therefore the enclosure they are kept in must be well sealed. They will find a way to get out of even the smallest gap. Picking a solid cage is a necessity for proper snake care. A 20 gallon long enclosure makes a good sized cage for a snake. The most important part is to get a secure fitting lid that can be clamped down. Snakes will push at the lid with their noses looking for weaknesses so the fit of the lid is very important. A determined snake can push against screen or glass until it finds an opening big enough for its head; where its head goes, so goes its body.

Snakes must be housed separately or they will eat each other.

Newly Hatched King Snake

Handling

After giving your snake a couple of days to settle in, begin picking it up and handling it gently. It may move from you and it may anoint you with a smelly musky substance from it's vent. Be gentle but persistent. Daily contact will begin to establish a level of trust and confidence between you and your snake. When it is comfortable with you, you can begin taking it around the house.

Other pet snakes you might want to read about are Pet Ball Pythons and Pet Corn Snakes. If you want something more interesting have a look at Keeping Bearded Dragons as Pets.

For more information on King Snakes click here.