Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I looked at my new California Kingsnake (first one) last night as I washed out its container (PHEW!!!) and its not actually black and white, its purplish-brown and pale yellow. So, which is the "normal" color, black&white or purple-brown&yellow? It seemed to appreciate having its container washed out, or at least being set loose in a sink of warm water while I did it. It seemed frustrated to have no arms to lift itself out with so it was struggling to get its chin positioned to lift itself before I would pick it up and put it back in. When my other snakes didn't eat their pinkies I put them one by one in with it and put it in a dark closet and it ate all but the last one. So, it had reason to stink up the container.

>>I looked at my new California Kingsnake (first one) last night as I washed out its container (PHEW!!!) and its not actually black and white, its purplish-brown and pale yellow. So, which is the "normal" color, black&white or purple-brown&yellow? It seemed to appreciate having its container washed out, or at least being set loose in a sink of warm water while I did it. It seemed frustrated to have no arms to lift itself out with so it was struggling to get its chin positioned to lift itself before I would pick it up and put it back in. When my other snakes didn't eat their pinkies I put them one by one in with it and put it in a dark closet and it ate all but the last one. So, it had reason to stink up the container.

those are normal colors for calif kingsnakes, they vary from brown to black and from yellow to white in diff parts of their range. but all are normal.
be careful putting your snake in the sink: 1) it's not an aquatic animal and may find that experience distressing; 2) you have to guess at the right water temp or you could shock the snake; 3) most sinks have not only a drain at the bottom but an overflow outlet and your snake could get in there in a split second and break your heart. All in all, it's probably not the safest place to put him while you clean his cage.

also, be careful how much you feed him...you didn't specify what "one by one" added up to, but don't overdo it. a regurg can set your snake back months in its growth pattern. set a routine and make that his feeding regimen, regardless of whether you have other food items left over, or at least be careful not to overdo it.

congrats on your snake...you obviously care about it and i think you've got one of the prettiest of the colors.

peace
terry