Reptile · Kingsnake & milksnake
California mountain kingsnake care guide
Lampropeltis zonata
The california mountain kingsnake is a intermediate-level kingsnake & milksnake from California, S Oregon, N Baja California. Adults reach 60–100 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Prefers cool temperatures; overheating is a common cause of death. Solitary.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 26–28°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a california mountain kingsnake cost in Canada?
California mountain kingsnake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 60–100 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- California, S Oregon, N Baja California
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 26–28°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
California mountain kingsnake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Warm 26–28°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a california mountain kingsnake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed mouse every 7–10 days; hatchlings may need lizard scent.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy and secretive but rarely bites.
Health watch: Watch for hatchling feeding refusal and overheating.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperatures and refresh water.
Weekly
- Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a california mountain kingsnake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
California mountain kingsnake FAQ
Is the california mountain kingsnake good for beginners?
The california mountain kingsnake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy and secretive but rarely bites.
What size enclosure does a california mountain kingsnake need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a california mountain kingsnake cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $570–1070 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a california mountain kingsnake need?
Temperature: Warm 26–28°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a california mountain kingsnake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed mouse every 7–10 days; hatchlings may need lizard scent.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.