Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been an avid reptile lover since 1960. I didn't have a teddy bear as a toddler; I had a plastic turtle.

Since 1992, I've been a human steward (not owner) of Kingsnakes. I've also kept several other snake species for weeks of study before releasing back into the wild; two Garter Snakes were kept for an entire summer. (What a surprising delight they are.)

I had raised & cherished a desert phase Kingsnake named Mojave until last year. In an unusual situation that I now regret, loaned him to a stranger for the summer on the condition that the new keeper provide a larger terrarium, and let me visit the snake to verify husbandry conditions. The man was a liar, reneged on every promise and kept my snake. (It wasn't worth a lengthy legal battle to replace a $40 snake.)

In the process of trying to find an ideal replacement, I kept a Black Rat Snake for a few weeks. She was too shy and hid too much, however, and got lost in my home for awhile. I found a new home for her where she is now cherished by an entire family.

As luck turned out, I found what I had been seeking at Rose City Reptiles in Portland, OR. (I live in Vancouver, across the Columbia River in WA.) I wanted another Cal King, and preferred an adult male.

At first, I did not prefer his lighter colors. I had only kept black & white specimens in the past. It only took me one day, however, to appreciate his unique shade of milk chocolate brown. He handles better than any Cal King I've ever known. Very slow & deliberate, no jerking nor bolting whatsoever.

I also found that I SCORED in a second way. Internet research on coastal phase specimens revealed that he has colors & patterns locale-specific to northern San Diego County, particularly the Carlsbad area. Follow this URL for an example:

http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?query_src=photos_fauna_sci-Reptile&enlarge=0000 0000 0505 0120

I found photos of wild snakes from Irvine to Carlsbad that match his coloration almost exactly, even to the darker brown spots he has on some scales, and the creamy white arc behind the head where the Cal King dot usually is. My arbitrary pet store purchase provided a locale-specific gem. Score!!!

I'm terrifically happy with him. I've not yet decided on a name, but am thinking about "Carlsbad" or "Crescent".

Follow the URL link at the screen bottom to photos of my Cal King. I've included photos of his naturalistic, 60-gallon biome set up like a Coastal Scrub arroyo. In the 1980s, I would occasionally visit an arroyo on Camp Pendleton near Christianitos Spring that furnished the inspiration. Ah, how I'd love to be there in the sunshine now.

I don't have any local Herper friends who share my enthusiasm, so instead I'm sharing with the Internet community. I hope that you enjoy the tale & photos.

Ameron, 48
Network Technician/Engineer
Portland/Vancouver
Link

Very nice setup...if you only have one snake and that CalKing is a beauty!

When I first started keeping as an adult a couple years ago (I had plenty as a kid) I created some fairly elaborate setups. Once my collection grew I found myself procrastinating on cleanup etc. Now I've placed a greater priority on ease of maintenance although I still provide plenty of hides and structure for snakes that use it. The sacrifice has been the "naturalistic" look. I want my animals to have variety but I know they don't give a damn whether it's plastic or "natural". I'd rather have the "natural" look but cleanliness is more important.

Cheers,
Brad

I'm able to do this because I have only one snake. My vivarium is like a showcase piece of art in my room. It's like a dry aquarium. Less activity, but also much less costly.

If I maintained a collection, it would become exceedingly difficult to maintain a natural setup, as you stated.

I've had more than one at times, as I get tempted to own new, exciting specimens, like many people, but I find myself coming back to just one.

For me it works out better for time exercising & enjoying the snake. The more individuals you add, the less money you have to spend to maintain them properly, and the less time you can spend with each.

I Think you make some very good points.I think most of us that have kept herps for a bunch of years wrestle with that a lot. Everybody has to decide for themselves what is best for them and their animals.

Wow Bob, if I had that much room I'd have way too many snakes Good stuff

nm

Thanks for the photos.

What a nice looking AZ Mountain King.

nm

Your cal king is gorgeous!! I really love his color! What a find!!!
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Genesis 1:1

Nice snake, and I can appreciate almost any Cal King, especially light brown morphs, but when I find a scrambled mess like this one in the urban wilds of Los Angeles it just makes my day...

Newport-Long Beach "Mud" morph