King snakes are a good starter snake. I would say Rat Snakes,Corn Snakes(red rat snake),king snakes and milk snakes are the best choices for a first snake. Ball Pythons,while popular in the pet trade,can be a real pain in the butt. They can be VERY picky eatters and sometimes will fast for months at a time.They also require a higher humidity level which can be a pain to maintain at times without the proper care. King snakes do not require a high humidity level.



As with any snake a certain degree of caution should be maintained at all times. While most king snakes are docile some can be aggressive just like any animal.If you get the snake you should let him be in his set up for a week before handling him.I have a yellow rat snake and he was VERY aggressive. I handled him 5 mins a day until he became use to me.Now I can reach in and pick him up without getting bitten or have him musk me.



If you have other reptiles it is HIGHLY recommened that you wash your hands before handling your king snake as they eat small turtles,lizards and other snakes. Most times a snake will bite you when your hands smell like food,this includes rodents! Depending on the size of the snake depends on the size of the food. Cali kings don't get to big and are actually one of the smaller sized king snakes so adult mice/rat pups would be the largest rodent you would feed them.

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