Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys,

I've recently purchased a juvinile Mexican Black Kingsnake. This is my first snake. I'll describe my setup here, and I was wondering if you guys could comment and give any tips/pointers, etc.

Basically my setup is simple. I have him in a 10 gallon tank for now with a waterdish on one side and a cave for him to hide in on the other. I have a screen lid locked down by clamps and the heatlamp with the proper bulb for that size enclousure.

The side with the cave is generally about 80 degrees, and the side with the water dish is about 70-75. I've read some conflicting things on temps. Should I be shutting the bulb off at night? I have been leaving it on at all times.

Also, my snake jumps at the very touch of the tank. Last night, I went near him and he was strioking at the glass. IT seems as though he gets scared and is stressed out, but once I handle him, he's pretty calm. Never struck at me before.

Anyway, thanks for any help. I'm just wondering if I'm doing this right thus far.

Rick

Your set-up sounds fine, but I would keep the cage (or a part of the cage)right around 80 without the light on all the time. The nervousness should minimize before long, mine were flighty but got fat and lazy in short order. They seem to be pretty smart snakes and catch on to the routines quickly. Jeff

Hello. I have snakes. No kingsnakes at this time but like to read other posts. In my opinion you shouldn't have a light shining on him 24/7. They like and need a day/night cycle like everyone else does. Since he's a baby he will be scared and nervous. It's a big world and he is small.
Under the tank heaters or a human heat pad will provide a heat gradiant so he can choose to be warm or cool. Only cover about a 1/3 of the bottom of the tank (on the OUTSIDE). I have the UTH's on my tanks with lighting on timers so they can have a night time. But need to be careful with the UTH's. Some can get hot. Most folks recommend using them with dimmer switches or something of that nature.
A hide on both the warm side and cool side will give him a choice too. Something that they can 'feel' the sides. They like it just big enough to squeeze into. Paper towel rolls work great for babies, or band aid boxes.
This is just what I do. Enjoy your need baby. Oh, one other thing.....snakes are addicting! Be prepared to have more then one.
my little zoo:
6' jungle carpet python
2 corns
honduran milk
sonoran gopher
2 anoles
3 fire belly toads
2 dogs
4 cats
always makeing room for any new arrival...

Thanks for the advice. I'll go purchase a heat pad for the cave side and keep that on at night when I shut off the heat lamp.

One more question abou tthe heat light...my buddy has a setup similar to mine, but his bulb is more of a black light purplish color that he keeps on at all times with temps of 80. Considering that light is much softer and not as bright, would the snake like that type more?

Thanks again.