Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just got a cali king snake this weekend. At first I had him in a 10 gallon and quickly switched him over to a 29 gallon(He is only around 16-18 inches in length). I had trouble controlling the temp in the 10 gallon and it seemed rather small.

Anyway I am using shredded Aspen for a subtrate. The temp on the hot side is about 82-85 degrees on the floor and higher as ya go up since I am using a 50 watt basking heat bulb. The cool side is around 77 degrees. He seems to be doing great. He is active during the day but spends a lot of time under the subtrate and when it's quite he can be seen sitting on a branch I have in his enclosure or just looking around. He already ate 2 fuzzies on Sunday and wanted more as he went out on hunt mode after he ate the two(But two is all he gets!)...At night time he comes out and sleeps on the branch I have in the tank. I am using a 50 watt nite-glo at night time for him.

I just wanted some opinions on how I am doing? I looked up a lot of info for the King Snake before I bought one but wanted an opinion on people who have kept them for awhile. I also have some plastic vines on the side of the tank and one of those 'Half a logs' as a hide box,but like I said he prefers to dig under the subtrate.(and of course I have a water dish).

Sounds like you've got it perfect. I favor letting the temps drop to what they will at night though. I don't know why, it's just something I do.
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Martin Whalin
My Email

Quotes from guys named Carl:

"Science stops at the frontier of logic. Nature does not, she thrives on ground as yet untrodden by theory."
-Carl Jung

"It is foolish to let singleness of purpose deprive one of the joy and delectation of the many wonderful sights and sounds incidental to the quest."
-Carl Kauffeld

sounds like you're doing great. you're a good example of what doing research in advance can accomplish in terms of proper pet care.
terry

good job sullman,i think one sentence you wrote is worth repeating: "i looked up a lot of info for the king BEFORE i bought one..." have fun

Thanks a lot. I try to give all my animals the proper care and just wanted to make sure I have everything right to make this little guy healthy and happy.