The distinctively patterned and colored common kingsnake makes a novel and
interesting pet, one that holds a lot of lessons about the reptiles. In spite
of a predatory nature in the wild and smelly defensive strategies under threat,
the snake responds well to interactions with humans, "being good natured
and gentle," according to Gary Ruplinger, writing for the Boatips.com Internet
site.
Selecting a Common Kingsnake
In selecting a common kingsnake for a pet, you should choose one bred legally
in captivity, not one captured illegally in the wild.
Realize that the snake may grow to several feet in length, and will require
some replication of its natural habitat. It may live for 20 years.
As Lianne McLeod, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, said in "Kingsnakes
and Milksnakes: Choosing a Snake," you should
select a snake with:
- A firm and uniform body with smooth movement, free of tremors
- A glossy skin, free of sores and parasites (especially mites)
- No open-mouth gasping for breath
- Mouth interior uniformly pink, free of mouth rot
- Clear eyes, free of discharge
- Clean vent, free of swelling
Housing
Kingsnakes are "escape artists," said Melissa Kaplan in her Herp
Care Collecting Internet site, "Kingsnakes and Milksnakes," so for an adult,
you will likely need a 60-gallon enclosure with high sides and a tight fitting
and locking top.
You can "furnish" your snake's enclosure with rocks and branches
to resemble its native habitat, and you will need to install a temperature control
system which will provide a temperature gradient ranging from 76 to 86 degrees
Fahrenheit. Use thermometers to monitor the temperatures. Keep on the enclosure
floor a bowl of fresh water, which will meet your snake's needs for humidity
and occasional soaks (especially just prior to a shed).
You can cover the bottom of its enclosure with butcher paper, paper towels, outdoor
carpeting, clean sand, or various other floorings.
Diet
If you have acquired a captive-born hatchling, you can probably feed it a
pre-killed "pinky" mouse
every few days. As it grows, feed it pre-killed adolescent mice every few days.
When it reaches adulthood, usually within about three years, feed it a pre-killed
adult mouse once or twice a week, depending on your snake's size and condition.
Care
You should handle your snake gently enough to establish trust and confidence
but firmly enough to prevent escape. (A snake lost in the house can be disconcerting.
My wife can verify that.) If your snake coils around your arm, grasp its tail
end to unwind it, said Kaplan. If you grasp its head, you will find it much more
difficult to unwind.
Use disinfectants to clean your snake's enclosure, furnishings, waterbowl
and flooring. Keep your snake's supplies separate from those you have for other
pets.
Prior to acquiring a common kingsnake as a pet, do some research about the
requirements. You can assure
that you will have, not only a novel and interesting pet, but a healthy and educational
one as well.
Author: Jay Sharp
Common
Kingsnake 
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