Mexican Black Kingsnake Care Sheet
Introduction
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are popular for their glossy black coloration, hardy nature, and strong feeding response. They are a great choice for keepers who want a bold-looking snake that stays a manageable size. In this Mexican Black Kingsnake care guide, you’ll learn the basics of housing, feeding, temperatures, humidity, and general care.
Background
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are native to parts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Adults commonly reach around 3 to 4 feet in length, with many falling in the 36–45 inch range. They are active, curious snakes and can live 15–20+ years with proper care.
Housing Mexican Black Kingsnakes
Mexican Black Kingsnakes need a secure enclosure because kingsnakes are known for being strong and persistent escape artists. A baby can be started in a smaller enclosure, while an adult should be kept in a larger setup with enough room to move, explore, and hide.
The basic items needed are an enclosure, secure lid or doors, water bowl, heating element, substrate, and at least one hiding area. Two hides are even better: one on the warm side and one on the cooler side.
Good substrate options include aspen, cypress mulch, reptile bark, or paper-based substrate. Avoid cedar shavings, as cedar oils can be harmful to reptiles. Mexican Black Kingsnakes may burrow, so a substrate that allows some digging can be helpful.
Feeding Mexican Black Kingsnakes
Mexican Black Kingsnakes feed very well in captivity and are usually strong eaters. In the wild, kingsnakes may eat reptiles, rodents, and other prey, but in captivity they do well on appropriately sized mice or rats.
Babies usually start on pinky mice and move up in prey size as they grow. The meal should leave a small lump, but should not be overly large. Young Mexican Black Kingsnakes can usually be fed every 5–7 days, while adults can often be fed every 7–10 days depending on size, body condition, and feeding response.
Do not handle the snake for about two days after feeding. This helps reduce stress and lowers the chance of regurgitation.
Temperatures and Humidity
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are cold-blooded animals, so they need a proper temperature gradient to digest food and regulate their body temperature.
A good temperature range is:
- Warm side: 84–88°F
- Hot spot: 88–90°F
- Cool side: 72–78°F
- Night drop: around 75°F is usually fine
A heat pad, heat tape, radiant heat panel, or properly controlled overhead heat source can be used. Any heat source should be controlled with a thermostat to prevent overheating.
Humidity should generally stay around 40–60%. If the snake has dry or incomplete sheds, humidity may need to be increased slightly. This can be done by lightly misting, using a larger water bowl, or adding a humid hide with damp moss. Avoid keeping the enclosure constantly wet, as too much moisture can cause health problems.
General Care
Always provide clean water. The water bowl should be sturdy and large enough for the snake to drink from comfortably. Spot clean waste when needed and do a deeper cleaning on a regular schedule.
Available Mexican Black Kingsnakes
Availability changes often because each animal is listed individually. You can view current Mexican Black Kingsnakes for sale here: