Care Guide
Complete King Snake Care Guide 2026
Updated August 1, 2026
About king snakes: King snakes (Lampropeltis) are hardy, docile snakes known for their beautiful banding and ability to eat other snakes.
🏠 Enclosure Setup
- Adults: 40 gallon breeder minimum
- Juveniles: 20 gallon long
- Hatchlings: 10 gallon or tub
- King snakes are active — provide spacious enclosure
🌡️ Temperature Requirements
🔥 Basking
85-90°F
☀️ Warm Side
80-85°F
❄️ Cool Side
72-78°F
🍽️ Feeding
- Prey size: 10-15% of body weight
- Note: King snakes eat other snakes in the wild — don't house them together!
- Usually excellent feeders on mice
- Hatchlings may need smaller prey
🤝 Handling
King snakes are generally docile but can be nippy when young:
- Handle regularly from a young age
- Most become docile adults
- May musk when frightened
- ✅ Basking: 85-90°F
- ✅ Warm side: 80-85°F
- ✅ Cool side: 72-78°F
- ✅ Never house together (cannibalistic)
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