I'm buying a Mexican Black Kingsnake, what does he need to live COMFORTABLY?

Question

I'm going for a 48Lx18Wx13H tank w/ locking screen top.

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. Pretend you just have the empty tank full of sand in front of you.

I want everything to be sized so that I won't have to buy anything new when he's full grown.

Links and specific items would be GREAT. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hey, here is a care sheet for you. It will answer any question you do not know and more:

The Mexican Black Kingsnake

Species: Mexican Black Kingsnake (nagrita)

Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: N/A

Sexing and Characteristics: Black Kingsnakes are one of the most docile species of snakes. They can reach 3-4 ft, some even growing into 5! Nagritas can be born with spots but they disappear once they get older. As they get ready to shed, the eyes turn blue/gray. They are very aggressive eaters.

Mostly Active During: Night

Substrate and Water Needs: Black King is in ESU reptile LIZARD LITTER. It is nontoxic, digestible, and bacteria & parasite free. A 1-2 inch layer is enough for them to burrow, and hide in. A small-medium bowl of water is also needed for moisture, humidity, to help with shed, and for drinking. Change it daily, sanitize it once a week.

Lighting and UVB: Black King had overhead lights but they heated up the cage too hot. Now he has an under the tank heater hooked up to a regulator. No additional light is needed. Natural sunlight from the adjacent window lets him regulate his day.

Temperatures and Humidity: Black King�s tank is 80-84 on his warm side and the other side of his tank is not heated. He seems to prefer the cool side most, except when he�s shedding. He does not need to be misted.

Heating and Equipment: An under the tank heater hooked up to a regulator works great. It is very cold in winter Maine so the sensor and regulator work well with the temperature strip inside his warm area.

Caging Provided: Currently Black King is in a 10 gallon tank. He will be moved into a 50 gallon once the iguana cage hubby is making is done. We have locks on the top as Kingsnakes are notorious escape snakes. He has a hubba hut hide on his warm side but prefers his toilet paper roll hide on the cool side. in the middle is a heavy tree branch decoration b/c he likes to climb. We have caught him laying on the inside lip of the mesh tank top! Hence the need for locks!  

Diet: Carnivorous

Description of Diet: Black King has killed a feeder mouse at 6 weeks of age. They are very ferocious feeders! He now eats 3 pinkies twice a week OR 1 small fuzzy once every 5 days. We had trouble with him eating so we took a small gladware, cut a little doorway with a knife to make him a "feeder hide". We scent it with our daughter�s pet mouse(letting it run around inside). Then we place a pinkie in it and place it in his cage. He will catch the scent, crawl in, and eat. Just lift the top to add another when he is done-and another! lol When he is done, simply lift and tilt till he slides out.  

Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: None needed.

Maintenance: Change the substrate once a month, wipe down the tank at the same time. Make sure the water bowl is clean, and any large "poopies" are taken out of the tank. Sometimes the shed gets stuck on the tail, which is super sensitive. Simply place a warm wet paper towel in a bowl, put him in, and soak. Always watch as he will crawl out. Then after about 10 mins., wipe him down with the towel, the shed should slide right off.  

Some Words on this Species: Black Kings are very docile but aggressive feeders. Be sure to wash your hands before you handle them as scent may cause them to bite. Always keep an eye on them as they love to investigate tight places, such as sleeves, creases, even hubby�s belt loops while he is wearing pants! Feel free to email for more info or questions.  

Hope this helps.... and good luck

Answer 2

Sand might be good for a bearded dragon but it's not good for a kingsnake.  Aspen snake bedding (zoo med) is best for kings.  To set up the tank get a critter cage (it is made for reptiles and has a locking lid) a baby will be fine in a 29 gallon long.  As an adult it will need a 40 gallon long.  Put an appropriately sized under tank heater on one side of the tank (just go by what the back of the box tells you on size).  Like I said before the best substrate is aspen bedding so that the snake can burrow in it.  Put about an inch of substrate on the bottom of the tank and put the snakes hide on the warm side of the tank then add more substrate in so that the snake can totally hide itself in it.  Since the snake burrows I don’t put a hide on the cold side of the tank I just use one on the hot side so that the snake can be on top of the substrate but still hidden when they want warmth.  Put the water dish on the cool side.  Put some kind of driftwood (pet store) in so that the snake can use it to climb on and also to rub up against when the snake is shedding.  Also a digital thermometer is needed to make sure the hot side doesn’t get too hot (84 F is the hottest you want it 78 – 81 F is perfect).  I don’t monitor the cool side of my colubrids because as long as the hot side is in a good range then if they get too cold they can always get warmer.  

Answer 3

Okay well first of all, DON'T BUY SAND. Sand is a very poor substrate for any snake. Try aspen bedding. Works great. Easy to use. Buy a hide, possible a half log, that the snake can go into. Your snake may not use it at times but that's normal. Don't get a hide that you think it too big for the snake. The snake will feel secured enough and won't go into it. You should get a large enough water bowl for your snake to soak in. They really like to soak in water and if the water bowl is too small they might not soak themselves and the moisture in their scales and they like to go in the water bowl if the tank is too warm to cool off. You can get a plant or log to climb if you'd like. Snakes like to climb so you could get your snake that.