Milksnake/Kingsnake Care Sheet

Life Span: 20+ years

Size:  Sizes vary greatly depending on species. Some don't get larger than couple of feet some reach impressive size. Florida king has been known to grow to over 8 feet in length.

Range:  Woodlands, fields, rocky hillsides and borders of wetlands

Temperament: Usually docile

Housing: Larger snakes should be housed in a 50 - 60 gallon enclosure. Smaller snakes will not need more than 20 gallon enclosure. The enclosure should have a tightly fitting, locking, top as they are very good in escaping. It is important to give the snake as much stretching room as possible. For a substrate you can use ground cover such as commercially prepared shredded cypress, aspen or fir bark; do not use orchid bark. Pine, cedar and redwood shavings should not be used due to the oils causing respiratory infections and other problems. Paper towels, newspaper or indoor/outdoor carpet work great too. The enclosure must be monitored closely and all soil removed to prevent bacteria and fungus growths.  Hollow log or commercially available "rocky" caves, half-circles of tree bark, and upside-down flower pots can be used for the hide spot.

Humidity: In the most part, they do well with just the humidity of the evaporating water from the water dish. For problem shedders, you can make a humid hide by putting damp moss or a wet rag in a hide to keep a localized humidity level. It is important to keep the substrate and bottom of the tank dry and clean because if the tank is too damp it can cause bacterial and respiratory infections.

Temperatures: 65 F at the cool end to 88 F at the warm end of the cage. These temperatures are maintained during spring, summer, and fall. During winter cool to 55F. Prior to this cooling, the snakes should be maintained at active temperatures without food for 14 days. Failure to do this sets up an extremely hazardous situation, since cool temperatures prohibit digestion. Undigested food can rot in the snake's gastrointestinal tract. Cooling period should be two to three months. Snakes should be checked weekly, provided with fresh water, and weighed. The cool-down can help tremendously with their feeding response the following spring also it is necessary for successful breeding.

Water: Provide a bowl of fresh water at all times for both drinking and soaking. The water will need to be changed frequently. 

Feeding: In wild they feed on small mammals. Milk and King snakes routinely eat other snakes, and may also take birds and bird eggs, frogs, fish, earthworms, slugs and insects. In captivity they readily feed on mice every 7- 10 days. The prey should be no larger than the the widest part of the snake's body (feed prey pre-killed to avoid snake's injury).

Breeding: Mating generally occurs in May, with females depositing 3-24 eggs in June and July. Eggs usually hatch in August and September. Incubation temperature should be 82 �F. The eggs hatch within 55 to 70 days