location
24/7 help

Get help from our experts 24/7

800 PET CORNER

Track Order

-

FAQs

-

Shipping Info

cart
0
Cart
Your cart is empty.

Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.

AED
location
24/7 help

Get help from our experts 24/7

800 PET CORNER

Track Order

-

FAQs

-

Shipping Info

cart
0
Cart
Your cart is empty.

Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.

AED
cart
0
Category
No categories were found
Product
Start typing for search results
Need help? 800 PET CORNER
Mexican black King snake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita)
Mexican black King snake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita)

FREE GROOMING | Claim Now

Mexican black King snake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita)

By Pet Corner Live Animals

11 Answered Questions
Pals Points : 2200
price (Ex .Tax) AED 2,200.00
Selling price (Inc.Tax) AED 2,310.00

In Stock

FREE 1-3 day shipping over AED 99.00

Sponsored Products
Save 7%
Josera Josi Cat Kitten Dry Food - 10kg
Josera
Josera Josi Cat Kitten Dry Food - 10kg
AED 172.98
AED 186.00
25% off | Autoship
Free Delivery
FREE GROOMING | Claim Now
USE CODE "GET20" | RAMADAN SALE IS LIVE

offer valid until

Save 7%
Josera Chicken with Veal Cat Wet Food - 70g
Josera
Josera Chicken with Veal Cat Wet Food - 70g
AED 8.37
AED 9.00
Bulk Deal
25% off | Autoship
Free Delivery
FREE GROOMING | Claim Now
USE CODE "GET20" | RAMADAN SALE IS LIVE

offer valid until

About This Item

The Mexican Black King Snake is a striking, all-black, non-venomous species known for its calm temperament and easy care. Ideal for beginners and experienced reptile keepers, it’s a hardy, low-maintenance snake that makes a great pet.

kingsnake care

Intro to Kingsnakes

Kingsnakes are one of the most popular pet snakes because they come in a variety of localities and morphs which feature color and pattern mutations. These Snakes are found throughout the majority of the Americas in many climates. Kingsnakes are extremely manageable for keepers of all experience levels as they max out at 48-72 inches depending on sex.

 

how to care for kingsnakes

Kingsnake Care

Keeping Kingsnakes is fairly easy. You'll need a basking spot of 85-90°F, ambient temperature os 75-80°F, and 40-60% humidity. This can be easily achieved with an Under Tank Heater or Basking Lamp, a proper Water Bowl, and substrate (Aspen or Coco). Add a hide and decorate their enclosure as you please, decorations like foliage help with enrichment.

Breeders commonly keep their Kingsnakes in Rack Systems. Where they start off in "Pencil Bins" or 6 qt tubs, then graduating to 32 qt tubs. As pets, however, Kings can do well in tanks or pvc enclosures. Baby Kingsnakes can start in a 10 gallon tank. Adults can live in a 40 gallon tank to a 4x2 enclosure. 

 

snake care sheet

Kingsnakes For Sale in the Pet Trade

Kingsnakes are bred readily in captivity as they are extremely prolific and can double clutch during their breeding season. You can find these common snakes at almost any reptile show or reptile shop for sale. To breed these, it helps for them to go through a brumation cycle of about 2-3 months at ~60 degrees°F. After brumation, it is important to get your animal back on food. Once these animals are re-established, you may begin pairing!

**Image Shown is for Reference Only.**

Mexican black king snakes (*Lampropeltis getula nigra*) are beautiful and docile reptiles, making them popular choices for both novice and experienced reptile keepers. Known for their striking black coloration and calm demeanor, these snakes require specific care to thrive in captivity. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to care for a Mexican black king snake:


### 1. **Habitat Setup**


#### Enclosure

- **Size**: A minimum of a **20-gallon tank** is suitable for a hatchling, but adults will need at least a **40-gallon tank** or larger to provide ample space for movement and hiding.

- **Type**: A glass terrarium or a plastic reptile enclosure is ideal. Ensure it has a secure lid, as these snakes can escape.


#### Substrate

- **Options**: Use aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or reptile carpet. Avoid cedar or pine substrates, as they can be harmful to reptiles.


#### Hiding Spots

- **Hides**: Provide at least two hiding spots, one on the warm side and one on the cool side. You can use commercially available hides, logs, or rocks to create these.


### 2. **Temperature and Lighting**


#### Temperature

- **Basking Spot**: 85°F - 90°F (29°C - 32°C)

- **Cool Side**: 75°F - 80°F (24°C - 27°C)

- **Nighttime Temperature**: 65°F - 75°F (18°C - 24°C)


Use a heat mat or a basking lamp to achieve these temperatures. Always use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.


#### Lighting

- **UVB Lighting**: While not strictly necessary for king snakes, providing a low-level UVB light can be beneficial for their overall health. If you choose to provide UVB lighting, ensure it is a low-output bulb.

- **Photoperiod**: A 12-hour light/dark cycle is recommended.


### 3. **Humidity**


- **Levels**: Maintain humidity levels between **30% - 50%**. This can be achieved through regular misting and a water dish.

- **Misting**: Lightly mist the enclosure occasionally to maintain humidity levels, especially during shedding.


### 4. **Feeding**


#### Diet

- **Protein**: Mexican black king snakes are carnivorous and primarily eat rodents. Hatchlings typically eat pinky mice, while adults can consume larger mice or small rats.

- **Feeding Method**: Offer prey that is appropriately sized (about the same diameter as the widest part of the snake’s body). It’s usually best to feed pre-killed or frozen-thawed prey to prevent injury to your snake.


#### Feeding Schedule

- **Hatchlings**: Feed every 5-7 days.

- **Juveniles**: Feed every 7-10 days.

- **Adults**: Feed every 10-14 days.


### 5. **Handling**


- **Temperament**: Mexican black king snakes are generally calm and can become accustomed to handling. They may be a bit defensive when young, but regular handling will usually help them become more docile.

- **Frequency**: Limit handling right after feeding (24-48 hours) to prevent stress and potential regurgitation.

- **Duration**: Start with short handling sessions (10-15 minutes), gradually increasing the duration as the snake becomes more comfortable.


### 6. **Health Care**


- **Regular Checks**: Monitor your snake for signs of illness, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, abnormal shedding, or respiratory issues (e.g., wheezing).

- **Shedding**: Mexican black king snakes typically shed every 4-6 weeks. Ensure humidity is adequate to facilitate a smooth shedding process. If they have difficulty shedding, provide a humid hide or mist the enclosure.

- **Veterinary Care**: Regular check-ups with a reptile-savvy veterinarian are recommended, especially if you notice any health issues.


### 7. **Behavior and Enrichment**


- **Activity**: Mexican black king snakes are primarily nocturnal and enjoy burrowing and climbing. Providing branches or climbing structures can keep your snake active and entertained.

- **Enrichment**: Change the layout of the enclosure occasionally to provide new environments for exploration.


### 8. **Breeding**


- **Breeding Season**: If you’re interested in breeding, Mexican black king snakes typically breed in the spring. Introduce a male to a female after cooling them down (a process known as brumation) during the winter months.

- **Egg Laying**: After mating, females will lay eggs, which require specific incubation conditions (approximately 80°F with high humidity).


### 9. **Lifespan and Growth**


- **Lifespan**: With proper care, Mexican black king snakes can live 15 years or more in captivity.

- **Growth Rate**: They can grow rapidly, reaching about 3-4 feet in length as adults, although some may grow larger.


### 10. **General Tips**


- **Research**: Always research thoroughly and understand the specific needs of the Mexican black king snake before bringing one home.

- **Community**: Joining online forums or local reptile groups can provide valuable support and resources for new owners.


### Conclusion


With proper care and attention, a Mexican black king snake can make a wonderful pet. They are relatively easy to care for and can provide a fascinating glimpse into the life of a snake. If you have any specific questions or need further information, feel free to ask!

Frequently Bought Together
Exo Terra Large Reptile Den With Magnet
EXO TERRA Exo Terra Large Reptile Den With Magnet
AED 135.24
5% off | Autoship
FREE GROOMING | Claim Now
USE CODE "GET20" | RAMADAN SALE IS LIVE
JBL GAMMARUS 250 ML
JBL JBL GAMMARUS 250 ML
AED 23.33
5% off | Autoship
FREE GROOMING | Claim Now
USE CODE "GET20" | RAMADAN SALE IS LIVE
JBL TURTLE FOOD
JBL JBL TURTLE FOOD
AED 17.14
5% off | Autoship
FREE GROOMING | Claim Now
USE CODE "GET20" | RAMADAN SALE IS LIVE
Total Price: AED 175.71
Sponsored Products
Save 7%
Josera Josi Cat Kitten Dry Food - 10kg
Josera
Josera Josi Cat Kitten Dry Food - 10kg
AED 172.98
AED 186.00
25% off | Autoship
Free Delivery
FREE GROOMING | Claim Now
USE CODE "GET20" | RAMADAN SALE IS LIVE

offer valid until

Save 7%
Josera Chicken with Veal Cat Wet Food - 70g
Josera
Josera Chicken with Veal Cat Wet Food - 70g
AED 8.37
AED 9.00
Bulk Deal
25% off | Autoship
Free Delivery
FREE GROOMING | Claim Now
USE CODE "GET20" | RAMADAN SALE IS LIVE

offer valid until