Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i live in sandiego so would it be ok to house captive bred cali kings out side (in acage) but just using its natural elements to heat and cool it???

Theoretically Yes, you would need to duplicate a suitable natural environment. You would have to have enough Sun exposure and warm days to sustain growth, and cool enough to lower metabolism when conditions/temps. are not ideal. Maybe you would have to provide artificial burrows, and good drainage, and basking areas, and rocks to act as heat sinks etc. Go to SD Zoo and see the outdoor enclosures with the Lacertas and Sheltopusiks, or the big multi-species lizards enclosures for ideas. Consider the zoo has made hollow, artificial heated rocks in many cases. This project would be a lot of work and expense, but really cool if you are willing to do it. I remember Bob Applegate having an outdoor "pit" for years, but don't know if he kept anything long term or not...good luck, Vic H

im definatly going for it i love challenges and reptiles i whant to build a pit for kings and on my a couple of sulcata tortises and im building a huge shed for my monitor i plan on filling up my whole back yard with reptiles lol

I am not sure but I would imagine they are more susceptible to bacteria and parasites in an outdoor enclosure.

My biggest concern would be drainage. If it rains, you need to be sure the cage/enclosure will drain properly so as not to harm the snakes nor the plants and decorations.

Next would be thinking out placement of hides so they are not going to overheat in the normal direct sunlight.

Lastly ould be feeding, it sounds as if you plan to house multiple kings and that will likely end in one snake enjoying the enclosure. If you plan to remove the snakes to feed individually then you will always be moving and rearranging your hides and such so you can catch the snakes at feeding time.

Just a few thoughts/concerns

dc