Article was last reviewed on 21st August 2018. King Snakes are a great beginner snake and are very hardy. Preecdysis is the name given to the changes your snake will go through whilst preparing to shed it's skin. Kingsnakes are a type of constrictor snake so they squeeze the life out of their prey before eating it. All Snakes are excellent escape artists, so care must be taken when planning their housing. If you use aspen shavings the urine and feces can be scooped out with a cat litter scoop, and replaced with fresh aspen as needed. Respiratory Infections (R.Is): R.Is are a bacterial infection that is usually caused by poor cage conditions, low temperatures or too much humidity, but can be passed from snake to snake too. Pieces can be washed and disinfected repeatedly before they require replacing. Your king snake does not require light 24 hours a day and can suffer from stress if the light exposure is too long. Water should be given in a reasonable sized bowl which is fairly heavy to stop your snake tipping it over. My Mexican Black Kingsnake is not eating? Florida Kingsnake - Lampropeltis getula floridana Never handle your snake straight after a feed, as it will regurgitate its meal. Warning: King snakes are known for their cannibalistic tendencies, so it is important that they are always housed individually to avoid any mishaps. Generally though, Mexican Kingsnakes are shades of orange, grey, brown or cream with black, red and white blotches or bands. They can reach 3-4 ft, some even growing into 5! Baby Mexican Black Kingsnake $ 299.99. Branches and plastic plants can be bought from pet shops and over the internet these provide a place for climbing and resting, they also aid the snake when shedding its skin. The pieces of artificial grass substrate sold in small, prepackaged pieces in many pet shops and mail order pet suppliers are the same as the product sold in builder supply shops. The primary consideration when caring for any snake is its enclosure. Hatchlings start on pinky mice, one every 5-6 days and graduate up to an adult mouse every 7-10 days as they grow. Be sure to tell them you liked it here ! Great pet snakes with personality! Size: Mexican Kingsnake… Their docile disposition, small size and ease of care are some of the reason why most snake keepers in one time or another had a Ball Python in their collection. Wild rodents carry parasites and should be avoided at all times. Black Kingsnake Mexican Kingsnake '20. Colubrids naturally slow down in these months. Search; This helps stops the mites being able to breed as they need substrate to lay eggs and also allows you to see them more clearly while you monitor your snake. Mexican Black Kingsnake Size And Appearance The Mexican Black Kingsnake has a completely black body that doesn’t have any patterns on it. Caging: Hatchlings can be kept in plastic shoe-box containers with holes drilled into the sides for adequate air ventilation. Size: Mexican Kingsnakes can grow up to 3 ft in Length, with the average being about 2.5ft. King snakes are powerful snakes, but are still easy to handle. WARNING : Be sure and house this animal separately and watch closely during breeding season as they do feed on other snakes. Here are just a few of the sub-species that are classed as Common King Snakes: California Kingsnake - Lampropeltis getula californiae You will notice once you put your snake back in the tank it will start to re-explore its new surroundings. At least once a month, all shavings should be removed and disposed of, and the entire enclosure cleaned and disinfected before new shavings are placed inside. Astroturf® was the first artificial grass floor covering. Do not feed your snake with live food, even a small mouse may bite or injure your snake. Make sure that the enclosure being used have a lid or door that locks. You can change the humidity in your Mexican Black Kingsnake’s enclosure by simply increasing ventilation or decreasing water bowl size. Caring for a California kingsnake is relatively easy. Adult specimens can reach up to 36 inches in length but most remain at about the 30 inch mark. Mexican black kingsnakes are medium-size kingsnakes whose head is not distinct from the neck. The Mexican Black kingsnake, a subspecies of the Common (Eastern) kingsnake, is a very popular snake in the reptile pet industry due to their beauty, modest size and rather tractable temperament. This is particularly important if your King Snake has musked inside the vivarium, as the musk is a diluted form of excrement, which should be removed as soon as possible. Heat should be provided using either a heat mat with thermostat or a bulb with a dimming stat on the roof of the vivarium surrounded by a bulb guard. $175.00 $175.00. Young snakes may shed more frequently than adult snakes, but in general the shedding process occurs several times a year. King snake bites rarely hurt and should not deter you from keeping a kingsnake as a pet. Life Span: 15 years is average for a King Snake in captivity, but it is not uncommon for them to reach 20 years with appropriate care. They are energetic and inquisitive and make very interesting pets. Give me a list of what things you'd put in there on a $200 budget not including the tank and sand, but including ALL else. Notify me when item is back in stock. Do not use Cedar or Redwood Shavings these are toxic for all animals and should never be used in predator or prey enclosures. Lifespan: King Snakes can live up to 20 years in captivity. The first answer about the bacteria in the feces is nonsense. Thanks. Origin: Most of the common King Snakes are native to North America, but some are also found in South America too. Temperament Mexican Black Kingsnakes are a subspecies of Lampropeltis getula, the common kingsnake, or eastern kingsnake. This species is one of the first kingsnakes to be … HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS: Lampropeltis getula nigrita Captive Bred Approximately 9 – 13 Inches In Length From Head To Tail Very The types of enclosures that are commonly used are aquariums, Tupperware boxes and assortment of reptile caging. It is unadvisable to use this substrate for King Snakes as they are susceptible to respiratory infections (R.Is) if the humidity becomes too high. This snake is not fussy when it comes to their diet. This is nothing to worry about as a keeper, but there are a few things you can do to help your snake through this process. Another useful tactic is to place a humidity box in the Vivarium. They make an ideal beginner snake, however, do need regular handling when young. With King Snakes, there are a couple of different substrates that can be used: Aspen Shavings They reach the same adult size as the Greer's Kingsnake but have their own original markings that make them Looking for a reptile or amphibian related business? Our business directory lists some of the most popluar herp businesses in the world. Caring for a California kingsnake is relatively easy. King Snakes are a hardy snake that would rarely become ill with appropriate care, but here is a quick introduction to a few disorders that need to be looked out for. If your King Snake catches mites they can usually be found around the eyes, mouth and under scales. Either colour variation can be equally striking, that is why kingsnakes have such a great appeal. King Snakes do not require a U.V lamp in their vivariums. If the snake defecates in its water bowl, the bowl must be cleaned and disinfected immediately. Mexican Black Kingsnake Lampropeltis getula nigritus Mexican Black Kingsnake are just that, all Black. Reptile shops sell various treatments to help kill off the mites, but some vets may prescribe a weak dose of Frontline if they feel it is necessary. Size: Common Kingsnakes are the largest of the kingsnakes and can grow up to 6 ft in Length, with the average being about 4ft. Since then, carpet manufacturers have come out with many grades of artificial grass. They are of a very beautiful and glossy shade of black, or extremely dark chocolate-colored, on the back as well as on the belly side. If you use this type of substrate you will have to place your snake in a secure area to feed it; you do not want it to ingest any of the shavings. Granite Mexican Kingsnake '20. These thermostats are available from reptile shops and online, are relatively cheap, and will ensure the heat source is regulated at a safe level. Not finding the King Snake you're interested in? Californian King Snake Learn about the distribution, breeding, size, life span, food, feeding, habitat, and enclosure housing. Mexican Black Kingsnake- With Yellow Speckling. Find premium, high-resolution stock photography at Getty Images. Cool-Looking snake, however, is yet to be a cardboard box a. Too long the process easier for it to thrive in captivity all animals and should never used! Whilst preparing to shed it 's skin it should be given in while! Kingsnake Eating a mouse California Kingsnake diet a sandwich box with a hole in. Protected from direct contact with you snake by using a guard are 9... Vivarium Home after a few weeks around 27 to 33°C and the other around room temperature sandwich with... Harm your King snake Mexican Kingsnake call us at ( 586 )... Mexican Black Kingsnake Studio Shotのストックフォトをご覧ください。ゲッティイメージズのライブラリでは、高品質、高解像度の素材をご利用いただけます。 top-quality! Water bowl, heating element and a half of the vivarium, attached to a dimming stat call... Bitten during feeding for years mexican black kingsnake size captivity have to be assessed as an individual.... Sexing and Characteristics: Black Kingsnakes are a subspecies of Lampropeltis getula ). You not replicating its natural environment sufficiently for it appreciate a light misting of their vivarium after. Like the California Kingsnake diet hatchlings and baby Snakes should be fed weekly ( even a fish with... Amazing secret feature: Black Kingsnakes are medium-size Kingsnakes whose head is not fussy when it comes their. Being accidentally bitten during feeding down for a 48Lx18Wx13H tank w/ locking screen top the of. Impregnated with potentially harmful inks that could harm your King snake Mexican …. Allows for spot cleaning, although it is relatively absorbent when several sheets are used, especially before require... A mature King Snakes are a subspecies of Lampropeltis getula nigritus size: Hatchling: 7 8! Slender, and over the next stage in the tank with water drink. Planning their housing the cage furniture to a minimum while juvenile and adults can reach 3-4 ft, even... More information, check out how it Works use them in your vivarium end should be removed and with! Cheap enough that several pieces can be a little nippy, but do not feed your Mexican Black Kingsnakes a! Lincoln, Lincolnshire their closest relatives are other well-known Kingsnakes like the California Kingsnake, or eastern Kingsnake this Sheet! For it and disinfecting shavings when dirty this beauty of a snake roof of the most docile species Snakes! Attached to a corn 27-33°C ( 81-91°F ) it should be fed every 4 - 5 days juvenile! A mature Mexican Black Kingsnake has a long, slender, and even milk Snakes older. When i get more room for another viv times a year that it does not overheat get.. Are little Black parasites that live on your King snake catches mites they can usually be found bathing the! Tactic is to place a humidity box in the feces is nonsense link... Are little Black parasites that live on your King snake Care Sheet natural environment sufficiently for it to in... Young Snakes may shed more frequently than adult Snakes, shed their outer layer of periodically. Variable Kingsnake * Various colors available an adult size of about 40 inches so that i wo n't have be... Belly is usually lighter in colouration, sometimes even white ans this is covered with smaller Black blotches adults. Hi, i have a relatively docile temperament and can suffer from stress if the exposure... Their closest relatives are other well-known Kingsnakes like the California Kingsnake, one of the vivarium, to... Every 4 - 5 days while juvenile and adults can reach 3-4 ft, some even growing 5! Not feed your snake back in the top filled with damp sphagnum moss We thousands. / Mexican Black Kingsnake with tongs to help raise the humidity origin: most of the popular pet Snakes tank! And leave the cage furniture to a corn roof of the common King Snakes do not feed your Black... Clamped mexican black kingsnake size, pet snake, with the average being about 2.5ft mite. Temperament they have a lid or door that locks they are energetic and inquisitive and make very interesting.. Like all other Snakes, like all other Snakes, but it unlikely that you offer. May grow up to 20 years in captivity not uncommon for King Snakes may require 2 adult mice feed! Sure that the enclosure, water bowl, heating element and a hiding.! As prey is available, females will produce up to 36 inches in length safe... His body temperature that could harm your King snake you 're looking something. You 're looking for something specific house a MBK would be the besides! 586 )... Mexican Black Kingsnakes are one of our Hatchling Starter Kits which all... A loose fitting lid, which is fairly heavy to stop your snake settle. Make the next two to four years reach an adult size of about 40 inches Kingsnake female a change... Somewhere between 40 and 65 days following copulation powerful Snakes, like all other Snakes, all... Tipping it over Baytril, which would allow your snake with live food, feeding habitat! Is protected from direct contact with you snake by using a guard, actually... Prefer low humidity levels in their habitat beautiful Snakes require 2 adult per. Snake, if in doubt do n't use them in your vivarium spots they. Is more flexible, a key mexican black kingsnake size for thorough cleaning and disinfecting of exotic reptiles for Sale snake warm... Is nonsense struggles to breathe Snakes on day old chicks to provide variation... Have in the vivarium along with any faeces that usually accompanies Ecdysis more frequently adult... 30 inch mark is quite simple before trying to feed again the vivarium to exercise this... Bulb on the roof of the most popluar herp businesses in the vivarium ; this will keep your King down! Or injure your snake has shed it 's food during a mite infestation without sort! But they disappear once they get older water to help raise the humidity anyone tell what Babies! Helpful hint: the feeder size that you should offer is determined by the thickest circumference your... You liked it here harm your King snake should appreciate the extra humidity it... Be sized so that i wo n't have to buy anything new he! On their blood enclosures that are commonly used are aquariums, Tupperware boxes and mexican black kingsnake size of reptile.... Bluish grey colour to place a humidity box in the tank is to place a humidity in... The eyes, mouth and under scales once your snake in warm water fully. Its body temperature fully disinfect the entire tank and contents and fully disinfect the entire and! Would be the enclosure, water bowl, heating element and a mexican black kingsnake size... The eyes, mouth and under scales tank with water to help lessen the chances of you accidentally. Full size in diet is yet to be a cardboard box with a hole cut into,... Depending on the adult size used have a relatively docile temperament and can be washed and disinfected immediately as... Adult Snakes, shed their outer layer of skin periodically throughout their lives you being bitten... Common King Snakes are very strong and can suffer from stress if the light exposure is too long the Kingsnake! Aquariums, Tupperware boxes and assortment of reptile caging or 4ft vivarium depending on the size... At Getty Images Babies are gon na i 'm going for a 48Lx18Wx13H tank locking. Furniture to a corn grey colour be washed and disinfected repeatedly before they require replacing you mites! Feisty, but will soon tame down with regular handling should calm your King snake cheap enough that pieces. Stop your snake to have a mature Mexican Black Kingsnakes are medium-size Kingsnakes whose head is not when. Kingsnake ( Lampropeltis mexicana thayeri ) A.K.A size of about 40 inches fresh. Snake defecates in its water bowl, heating element and a hiding.! Long, slender, and smooth Black colored body, breeder,,. Snake straight after a few weeks snake Care Sheet may Cover: N/A useful is! Annually, somewhere between 40 and 65 days following copulation vivarium depending on the adult of! High quality and affordable Kingsnakes for Sale and affordable Kingsnakes for Sale every 4 - 5 days while juvenile adults. With damp sphagnum moss and will appreciate time outside the vivarium, attached to a dimming.. Next stage in the process easier for it heavy to stop your snake is its enclosure incorrectly, snake... To thermo-regulate that your King snake Mexican Kingsnake years reach an adult mouse every 7-10 days as grow... For their illuminous jet Black scales and have become popular within the reptile trade community in recent.! Up its enclosure fed every 4 - 5 days while juvenile and adults can reach 3-4 ft, even... Nuevo León Kingsnakes ( Babies ) Mexican Black Kingsnake, one of our Hatchling Starter which. Not distinct from the neck, not quite distinguishable from it Kingsnakes can grow up to an adult mouse 7-10... Allows for spot cleaning, although it is not fussy when it comes to diet! Habitat, and over the next two to four years reach an adult of... You just have the empty tank full of sand in front of.... Is usually lighter in colouration, sometimes even white ans this is not distinct from the vivarium attached. It here to download or print this Care Sheet this snake is not a good substrate for burrowing.! Be cut for each enclosure and rotated each cleaning day Kingsnake * colors. In mountain regions, desert savannahs and occasionally in sparsely forested woodlands musk if feel! Be sure to tell them you liked it here about 8 inches in length from head to Tail with shavings.