Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know some snake basics because I used to have a boa, but I'd like some more specifics on kings. Mine's about three feet long, maybe a little longer, and was caught about a month ago (legally.) I've been feeding it a small mouse about once a week and it has no problem gulping them down.

Is once a week an appropriate feeding schedule?

Should the feeding schedule vary depending on the season?

Is sprinkling a vitamin powder on the feeders recommended? Different stores gave me different opinions on that for my boa. It didn't seem to hurt, it outgrew my closet in a couple years and the guy I gave it to said it's now his biggest snake.

Should the heat pad be on even in warm weather? (under terrarium stick on type.)

It's eyes have clouded over, I should hold off feeding it until it sheds, right? It's being a little skitish as it probably can't see too well, but still lets me handle it. It has a large water bowl to soak and rocks to rub against but is not using them.

Are kings prone to getting any parisites?

Thanks

Once a week is a good schedule for an adult kingsnake. At three feet, yours may be adult or subadult, depending on the species. What kind do you have?
As long as you're feeding the snake whole mice, you shouldn't need to provide any vitamin supplements. A mouse has everything a kingsnake needs, nutrition wise.
The heating pad should stay on at all times. Snakes need that belly heat in order to digest and to keep their immune systems up. You say even in warm weather-does this mean you're keeping the snake outdoors or somewhere that does not have a steady temperature?
Most kingsnakes won't eat while they're in shed. I'd wait til it sheds to feed, especially if you're feeding live.
Since your snake is wild caught, you'd be doing yourself and the snake a favor by having a vet check it for parasites.
Hope that helps.
Cheers!

Ah, now I see that what you have is a Cal king. So, yes, once a week is good.

I wasn't sure how much heat a native snake needed. It's inside, but I leave windows open. (N Cal) Temps in the room might vary about 15 degrees I'd guess. There is only a cheap stick-on thermometer on the terrarium (low 70s right now), but I could put one in the room. The snake gets in its box or down in the pile of newspaper strips over the heater at night. I hope it's able to properly regulate it's own temp in there, what do you think?

Thanks for the help,

Lyon

I know it can get pretty chilly up in NoCal at night. In fact, if it gets below 70 you might consider a little supplementary heat. Maybe one of those dark bulbs would be appropriate. Otherwise, it sounds like the snake has figured things out well.
Good Luck!

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