Florida Kingsnake Setup

Common Name: Florida Kingsnake
Scientific Name: Lampropeltis getula floridana
Source: CB (Captive Bred)
Adult Size: 90–150cm (some individuals may grow larger)
Native Range: Florida, southeastern United States, inhabiting pine forests, grasslands, wetlands, scrubland, and agricultural areas.

Enclosure: A minimum 120×60×60cm Viperia PVC vivarium for a single adult, although larger enclosures are recommended for particularly active or larger individuals. Provide a deep, loose substrate such as aspen bedding, coco husk, or a suitable topsoil-based mix to encourage natural burrowing behaviours. Include a secure warm hide, a cool hide, cork bark, sturdy climbing branches, and plenty of foliage and cover to encourage exploration and provide security. Florida kingsnakes are skilled escape artists, so a securely locking enclosure is essential.

Heating: Basking surface temperature of 30–32°C, with a warm-side ambient temperature of 26–28°C and a cool side of 22–25°C. A slight night-time temperature drop to approximately 20–22°C is generally acceptable. Provide a suitable overhead heat source to establish a thermal gradient, ensuring all heating equipment is appropriately guarded and thermostatically controlled.

Humidity: Approximately 50–70% ambient humidity, maintained through suitable moisture-retaining substrate, appropriate ventilation, and occasional light misting when required. Provide a humid hide containing damp sphagnum moss to assist with healthy shedding, particularly during the shedding cycle. A fresh water bowl should always be available, ideally large enough for the snake to soak in if desired. Avoid constantly wet substrate and excessive moisture, which can contribute to skin and respiratory problems.

UVB: A low-level 6% UVB tube, such as a suitable T5 system, positioned over part of the enclosure to create a gentle UV gradient. Although Florida kingsnakes are often most active during the day and around dawn and dusk, access to appropriately positioned UVB lighting can support natural behaviours and vitamin D3 synthesis. Provide shaded areas, foliage, and secure hides so the snake can regulate its exposure. The correct basking distance should be determined by the lamp's output, reflector, mesh obstruction, and manufacturer guidance.

Diet: A diet consisting primarily of appropriately sized defrosted mice or rats, with prey generally no wider than the snake's widest body point. Juveniles typically require feeding every 5–7 days, while adults can usually be fed every 10–14 days, depending on their age, size, and body condition. Florida kingsnakes are enthusiastic feeders and may readily accept a wide variety of prey, but feeding frequency and portion sizes should be carefully managed to prevent obesity. As kingsnakes naturally prey on other snakes, they should always be housed individually to prevent cannibalism.