Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi I just got my first variable kingsnake and I'm excited - he's gorgeous! I've done all the reading up I could find on the web about variable kingsnakes but I still have a cage question. From what I've read, they don't generally exceed 3 ft in length and the recommended cage is a 20L. I always want my animal to be able to stretch out and have excersize room - should I opt for a bigger cage? I know bigger is usually better but I can't go too overboard cause of space issues.

Also anyone out there that has a variable king and has any advice - please feel free to tell me!

Thanks...
Jenny

Hi Jenny,
I have a few variable kings, and some other kingsnakes that are in the same size range. A 20L is fine, though bigger is better. Mine are all in 20Longs. They can stretch out to almost their full length, and have room to cruise around. Snakes in the wild spend some time traveleing around to hunt, mate, etc.. but most of their time is spent in small confined spaces where they feel secure and comfortable. I provide two hiding places, a water bowl, a few rocks, maybe a tree branch, and they're happy campers. Greg

Thanks for the advice! I think I'm going with the 20L too. I haven't been able to get the new little guy to feed yet though. Do they slow down and stop feeding in the fall? I have a corn snake hatchling and he is always starving every 4 days so it is starting to concern me a little. The breeder I bought him from said he was eating thawed pinkies but I haven't been able to get him to eat one yet. I've tried placing one in a small feeding tank with him overnight and made sure to cover the tank up so he felt secure. Last night I even tried braining one - and even that didn't work I've heard of scenting it with a lizard but I don't have a lizard to sent one with! Any advice for getting this guy to eat? He's only 1.5 months old I think.