Though they can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) in length, they are slender enough to be a manageable pet.
It is nonvenomous and the most commonly bred and kept Kingsnake in captivity, so it makes a good pet for herpetoculturists of all levels
.
Are California kingsnakes dangerous?
They are relatively immune to some types of snake venom, including rattlesnake and coral snake (4). California kingsnakes are
non-venomous
, instead killing their prey by constriction (1).
Are king snakes aggressive?
Kingsnakes, like other species of snakes, tend to bite when frightened. Yet, since they do not have fangs like the python, kingsnake bites are far from harmful and may not cause any problems. As constrictors that typically grow to an average of 4 feet, kingsnakes are
not aggressive
and are not dangerous to humans.
Can snakes be poisonous to dogs?
While
the majority of snakes are not venomous
, and any snake might bite, a strike from a venomous snake is potentially far more serious for your dog. Venomous snakes endemic to the United States include copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasins), rattlesnakes (pit vipers), and coral snakes.
Do kingsnakes like being handled?
King snakes are similar to corn snakes in that
they're easy to handle and enjoy being held
.
Can you pick up a California king snake?
Handle your snake gently.
Remember that this is a wild animal, so it may be afraid of you for quite some time.
Hold your snake gently, and stay away from its face, especially at first
. Start with just a few minutes of handling once a week and work your way up.
Does a California kingsnake bite hurt?
Not generally no, but some king snakes have a tendency to hang on to your finger/hand for some time. Some will grind whilst doing this and that can be a bit sore and can cause a bit of bleeding. All in all though,
a nip from a king will not particularly hurt
.
Do California kingsnakes make good pets?
California King Snakes make excellent pets
, and they are a fairly common snake to own. Especially for first timers. These slithery little fellows are easy to maintain, don't get too big, and are typically friendly and docile.
How big do female California kingsnakes get?
California kingsnakes hatch from their eggs at 8 to 12 inches. Maximum adult size for California kingsnakes is
more than 6 feet in length, although average size is 3 to 4 feet
. California kingsnakes are not a bulky or heavy snake, so they seem smaller than they actually are.
Do Baby California kingsnakes bite?
They are also known to bite, though their bite is not poisonous to humans
. Savitzky said that some species of kingsnake are “bitier and snappier” than others, but that it mostly comes down to the individual temperament of the snake. In general, kingsnakes are well known for being docile once tamed.
How big do California kingsnakes get?
This species is usually between 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m) in length, while California kingsnakes are usually
3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m) long
. The ground color of the California kingsnake is black or brown with a pattern of white, cream, or yellow stripes or bands.
How long do California kingsnakes get?
California Kingsnake Size
California Kingsnakes are moderately sized, yet slender, growing to be an average of
4 – 5 feet (1.3 – 15. m)
in length. Most California kings will reach adulthood within three to four years of age.
Was my dog bitten by a snake?
Snake Bite Emergency Care
If you see the bite wound,
rinse the wound with water to remove some venom
. Keep the wound below the heart, and keep your pet as still as possible to discourage the spread of venom. If your pet isn't breathing, call the veterinary clinic for instructions for how to administer CPR. Keep calm.
Has my dog been bitten by a snake?
What should I do if I think my pet has been bitten by a snake? If you think your pet has been bitten by a snake,
keep him calm and quiet, and take him to a veterinarian immediately
. The chances of recovery are greater if he is treated early (80 per cent), with some pets making a recovery within 48 hours.
Do snakes fear dogs?
Yes, snakes are scared of dogs
. Snakes do not like getting in the way of dogs since dogs are bigger, louder, and too large to be considered potential food. Therefore, when a snake spots a dog, the chances are that it will walk away or hide.
What is the friendliest breed of snake?
Corn snakes
are thought to be the most friendly snakes and they are certainly the most commonly owned. This is because they are very widely available and extremely easy to care for. They are also proven to be the most friendly and docile snake breed.
How often should I handle my king snake?
Handle your kingsnake
at least 1-2x weekly, but no more than once daily
. Snakes do not require social interaction, but handling helps the snake stay tame and is a good opportunity for exercise as well.
How much does a California Kingsnake cost?
| Common Name California Kingsnake | Price ~$100 | Size Three to four feet long | Lifespan 20 to 30 years | Diet Mice, chicks and lizards |
|---|
How often do kingsnakes shed?
Shedding Kingsnakes are constantly growing for their entire lives, like most snakes. If you keep feeding them on a regular basis they will normally shed about
1-2 times a month
. This normally happens a few days after feeding.
How often should you handle a California kingsnake?
| Type of Snake How Often They Can Be Handled | California Kingsnake 2-3 times per week at least | Gopher Snake 2-3 times per week | Rosy Boa Every other day | Western Hognose Snake 1-3 times per week |
|---|
Do California kingsnakes like to be handled?
They are generally friendly and easy to care for. When holding your pet, always remember to support your snakes body. Once a king realizes that you will not hurt it,
they often seem to enjoy being handled
. Relax and give your snake time to get used to you.
Are California king snakes easy to handle?
This makes them
easier to handle
, especially for a beginner or first-time keeper. Their moderate size also makes them easier to house in captivity. You don't need a gigantic cage or habitat to keep a California kingsnake as a pet. These snakes can be more than comfortable in a cage that's about 3 feet long.
Does a California king snake have teeth?
1st question: no, california kingsnakes are colubrids (constrictors) and do NOT have fangs.
They DO have teeth
and can bite, but are not venomous.
