KINGSNAKE
Kingsnakes are among the most beautiful snakes in the world and have been popular pets in the reptile hobby since the beginning. There are many different types of kingsnakes found in North America, and care requirements are very similar for all of them. Kingsnakes were given their name because they are the “King” of snakes in America. They are considered “Kings” because they regularly eat other species of snakes in the wild, including rattlesnakes!
- Common Name: Common Kingsnake
- Scientific Name: Lampropeltis spp.
- Distribution: Found throughout the southern United States west into California.
- Size: 3″-6″
- Life Span: 15-20 yrs.+
HABITAT
HEATING
LIGHTING
SUBSTRATES
NUTRITION
HABITAT
- Hatchling to juvenile kingsnakes (under 18″) can be housed in a 10 gallon terrarium.
- Adult kingsnakes will need at least a 20-30 gallon terrarium. We recommend keeping snakes in an enclosure that is no shorter than half the length of the snake.
- A secure, lockable slidingscreen lid is essential for safely housing these snakes.
- Zoo Med’s ReptiHabitat™ terrariums are an excellent choice for kingsnakes.
- A Repti-Shelter™, Habba Hut™, or Cork Bark will provide a secure hiding place to help reduce stress.
HEATING
- Daytime Terrarium Air Temperature: 75-80° F.
- Basking Spot: 85-90° F Zoo Med’s Turtle Tuff™ Splash-proof Halogen Lamp is the safest and best choice for providing basking heat to your turtles.
- A quality aquarium heater will be needed to maintain water temperatures between 78-80°F.
- Position basking areas in places where turtles can exit the water, such as on land or over a Turtle Dock™.
- Halogen, Ceramic Heat Emitters, and ReptiTherm® UTH are good choices for heating Bearded Dragon enclosures.
LIGHTING
- UVB Lighting is essential for aquatic turtles to process calcium in captivity. Lighting should be provided for 8-10 hours per day.
- Without UVB lighting turtles will develop serious health problems such as Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).
- Zoo Med’s ReptiSun® 5.0 UVB Linear and Compact Fluorescent Lamps are a great choice for providing UVB. The PowerSun® is a great choice to provide both UVB and basking heat, however care must be taken to keep the lamp away from water.
- We recommend using Zoo Med’s Lamp Stand to safely mount your heating and lighting devices over your enclosure.
SUBSTRATES
- Zoo Med does not recommend using substrates such as sand or gravel for aquatic turtles. These substrates can be accidentally ingested and may cause impaction.
- Land Area: Eco Earth®, ReptiBark®, or Forest Floor™ are good choices for land areas.
ReptiSand® mixed with Eco Earth® is a great egg laying medium for turtles.
NUTRITION
- Leopard Geckos are insectivorous and will need to be offered a variety of insects to stay healthy.moistened pellets.
- Insect size = width of gecko’s head.
- Leopard Geckos should be fed crickets or mealworms dusted with ReptiCalcium® and ReptiVite™ as directed.
- Always remove uneaten crickets after each feeding.
