Greetings all,

As a complete novice to snake ownership, I decided to seek advice from some of you fine folk. I just bought a baby california kingsnake from the pet shop yesterday. I did plenty of research before I bought him, so I am well informed on the basics of his needs. But there are some things that I am unclear on, and I couldn't find my answers via other resources.

First and foremost, the pet shop supplied me with the cage he was already being housed in, which is quite small (see attached photo). The employee, being a multiple snake owner himself, assured me that this tank would suffice for several months before moving up to a 10 gallon tank. My snake is probably about 12"-14" right now, I'm not exactly sure at this moment. I haven't measured him yet.

I've read several different sources, most of which seem to contradict themselves by saying that a hatchling needs at least a 10 gallon from the getgo, but also saying that too big of a tank isn't good for it while it is young. So my question on that is, will the one he is currently in suffice, or should I make the switch to a 10 gal?

To go along with that, basically everywhere I have read says that having a heat gradient in the tank is of the utmost importance. However, the employee again assured me that while the snake is in the small cage, a heating device isn't necessary. But if the snake does need it, and he's fine in the smaller cage, how would I even fit one on it without heating the whole cage?

Similarly, I have the same concern about a hide hut for him. There's no way I could fit one in there with it being extremely cramped, and he seems to do just fine burying himself in the substrate.

Lastly, I'm unsure about the "rules" of handling him. He has been hand trained already while he was in the store, and he seems to have no problem letting me handle him. I've held him twice already since I brought him home.

Any advice on the above and otherwise would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

[ Show Entire Thread ]