Mississippi King Snakes

Snakes make ideal pets for owners who don't want to deal with pet hair. King snakes from the Mississippi region, or the speckled king snake, Lampropeltis getula holbrooki, are also referred as the salt-and-pepper king snakes. Nonvenomous and docile, king snakes bred in captivity come in many bright colors, such as orange with dark bands. However, you must be aware of the responsibilities as a pet owner when you buy a Mississippi king snake.

  1. Housing

    • Choose an enclosure that is secure for king snakes because they are good at escaping. Commercial glass tanks are commonly used for king snakes and a 20-gallon enclosure is a good size for it to grow into. It is important to give your snake a large enough tank since it only has one lung, which needs to be stretched out daily. Keep the temperature of the enclosure from 76 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit with the use of a reptile bulb or heating pad. Be sure to use a thermometer to check the temperature.

    Bedding

    • Aspen shavings can be used as bedding in your snake's tank. Outdoor carpeting, clean playground sand and non-silica gravel are other options for bedding. Be aware that cedar and redwood shavings are toxic to king snakes. Sand may be mixed with clean, dry potting soil too. Add shelters such as caves or tree bark, and old tissue boxes can be used also. However, once they become soiled, they should be replaced. Natural touches such as pebbles and stones are also appropriate.

    Food

    • Young king snake hatchlings are fed 1- to 2-day-old pinkie mice. Feed one or two every week when they are young. You can use frozen mice, but defrost them completely before feeding your snake. As your snake grows, you should feed larger mice to it. King snakes tend to be hungrier in the spring and summer and some snakes don't eat in the winter months. Adult snakes over 4 feet long typically eat two mice a week. Keep a fresh bowl of water in the tank at all times.

    Cleaning

    • Cleaning your snake enclosure is important for a healthy pet. Start by using hot, soapy water to clean the enclosure. Use a scouring pad or sponge that does not scratch the glass. Disinfect and sterilize the enclosure and everything inside it, like the bowls, with Nolvasan or Roccal-D, from your local pet store. Use disposable gloves while cleaning and use scrapers and sponges. Do not cross contaminate. Throw away dirty rags and sponges or sterilize them thoroughly.