Mexican King Snake #1

Certain provinces require permits for the keeping and transportation of reptiles, with the Eastern Cape being one such province. Permit approval processes may take up to one month, depending on the relevant authority. It is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure that any required captivity permits are applied for and approved prior to the purchase or transport of any reptile.

We will issue the necessary transport permit from the store’s name to the buyer’s name for the transfer of the animal. Thereafter, it remains the buyer’s responsibility to apply for and obtain the required captivity permit in accordance with their provincial regulations.

(Lampropeltis mexicana)

Mexican Kingsnakes are beautiful, hardy, and generally easy-to-care-for snakes, making them an excellent choice for both beginner and intermediate reptile keepers. Known for their striking colours, manageable adult size, and curious temperament, they are rewarding reptiles to keep when provided with the correct setup and care.

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Quick Facts

Common Name: Mexican Kingsnake
Scientific Name: Lampropeltis mexicana
Adult Size: 90–150cm (varies by locality/species)
Lifespan: 15–20+ years
Temperament: Curious, alert, generally handleable
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Activity: Mostly crepuscular / nocturnal

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Enclosure Requirements

Minimum Enclosure Size

Juveniles: 60 x 30 x 30cm
Adults: Minimum 90 x 45 x 45cm
Larger adults: 120 x 45 x 45cm+ recommended

A secure enclosure is essential—Kingsnakes are excellent escape artists.

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Enclosure Setup

Recommended items:

• Warm hide
• Cool hide
• Water bowl large enough for soaking
• Branches / climbing décor
• Cork bark / hides
• Artificial or live plants
• Secure lid / escape-proof enclosure
• Optional humid hide during shedding

Mexican Kingsnakes are primarily terrestrial but do enjoy climbing opportunities.

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Heating & Temperature

Day Temperatures

Warm side: 29–31°C
Cool side: 23–26°C
Ambient temperature: 24–28°C

Night Temperatures

Can drop safely to:
20–24°C

Heating Equipment

Recommended:

• Heat mat with thermostat
  OR
• Ceramic heat emitter / deep heat projector

Never use heating equipment without a thermostat.

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Humidity

Ideal humidity:
40–60%

During shedding:
Increase slightly with a humid hide.

Too much humidity for prolonged periods can lead to respiratory issues.

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Substrate

Suitable options:

✅ Aspen bedding
✅ Lignocel
✅ Coconut husk (if humidity monitored)
✅ Paper towel (quarantine)
✅ Reptile-safe naturalistic substrate mixes

Avoid:
❌ Cedar / pine shavings
❌ Dusty substrates
❌ Loose substrates for very young hatchlings if feeding in enclosure

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Feeding

Hatchlings / Juveniles

Feed every 5–7 days

Sub-adults

Feed every 7–10 days

Adults

Feed every 10–14 days

Diet

Appropriately sized frozen-thawed rodents:

• Pinkie mice
• Fuzzy mice
• Hopper mice
• Adult mice
• Small rats (for larger adults only)

Feed prey no wider than the widest part of the snake.

Frozen-thawed is strongly recommended over live feeding.

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Water

Fresh clean water should be available at all times.

Change daily or whenever soiled.

Many Kingsnakes enjoy soaking.

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Handling

Mexican Kingsnakes can be active and inquisitive.

Handling tips:

• Allow 5–7 days settling in after arrival
• Avoid handling for 48 hours after feeding
• Support the full body
• Handle calmly and confidently

Juveniles may be more defensive or musky but usually settle with regular gentle handling.

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Shedding

Signs:

• Dull skin
• Blue/cloudy eyes
• Reduced appetite
• Increased hiding

Ensure:

• Good hydration
• Suitable humidity
• Rough décor to assist shedding

Check tail tip and eye caps after shedding.

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Cleaning

Daily

• Spot clean waste
• Refresh water
• Check temperatures

Weekly

• Clean décor if needed
• Inspect enclosure security

Monthly

• Full enclosure deep clean
• Replace substrate as needed

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Common Health Issues

Watch for:

⚠ Incomplete sheds
⚠ Respiratory infections
⚠ Mites
⚠ Mouth rot
⚠ Weight loss
⚠ Dehydration
⚠ Regurgitation (often husbandry related)

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Compatibility / Housing

Best kept singly.

Important:
Mexican Kingsnakes are opportunistic feeders and may cannibalise other snakes.

Never house together.

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Feeding Guide by Age

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Important Notes

• Always secure the enclosure properly.
• Kingsnakes are notorious escape artists.
• Frozen-thawed prey is safer than live feeding.
• Appetite fluctuations can occur during shedding or cooler months.

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Is a Mexican Kingsnake Right for You?

Great if you want:
✔ A hardy snake
✔ Manageable adult size
✔ Beautiful colour variation
✔ An active, curious reptile

Not ideal if you want:
✘ A completely sedentary snake
✘ A communal reptile

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Coastal Aquariums & Pet Supplies Tip

A healthy Mexican Kingsnake should have:
Clear eyes, strong body condition, smooth sheds, alert tongue flicking, and steady feeding behaviour.