• Adult minimum: 48" L × 24" W × 24" H; taller is useful for lighting and climbing.

• Rule of thumb: enclosure length ≈ snake length; width/height ≈ ½ length.

• Front-opening with reliable locks (they’re escape artists); good ventilation.

• No cohabitation (kingsnakes eat other snakes).

• Best: soil-based mixes (e.g., ~40% topsoil + 40% ReptiSoil + 20% play sand), coco fiber/coir, or similar; add leaf litter; depth ~4".

• Aspen shavings can work if kept clean/dry (can mold).

• Avoid cedar/pine (aromatic oils → respiratory/neurologic issues).

• 2–3 tight hides (warm, cool, and humid).

• Climbing branches, cork rounds/flats, ledges, foliage/clutter for cover.

• Large heavy water bowl (soakable). Guard any hot fixtures; ensure secure mounting.

DAILY: spot-clean waste; refresh water; quick temp/humidity check (probes).

WEEKLY: wipe traffic areas; rinse/replace humid-hide moss; scrub water dish.

EVERY 3–4 MONTHS: replace substrate (or deep-clean sections); disinfect with reptile-safe products (F10/Rescue); test thermostats/probes.

• Basking surface: 85–90 °F (29–32 °C)

• Cool side: 70–78 °F (21–26 °C)

• Night: lights/heat off unless the room is unusually cold; allow a natural drop.

• Humidity: ~40–60% average; typically higher at night & on the cool end.

• Provide a humid hide (damp sphagnum) to aid sheds.

• Day/night: ~12 h light / 12 h dark; match local seasons if you wish.

• UVB: Recommended. Target UVI ~2.0–3.0 at the basking zone with a T5 HO 5–6% tube.

• Place UVB on the warm side; provide shade. Verify with a Solarmeter if possible.

• Diet: frozen-thawed whole prey (variety is healthy: mice, young rats; occasional quail/chicks, etc.).

• Size: prey ≤1.5× the snake’s widest body width (~≤10% body mass).

• Schedule: hatchlings 5–7 d; juveniles 7–10 d; adults 10–14 d (adjust to body condition).

• Use tongs; thaw/warm prey safely; no handling for ~48 h after meals.

• Start once eating reliably (often ~2 weeks after arrival).

• Short, calm sessions; support the body; approach from the side; use a hook tap to distinguish handling from feeding.

• Juveniles may musk/nip—stay calm and consistent; most settle well with routine.

Watch for —

• Respiratory signs: wheeze/clicks, open-mouth breathing, bubbly/stringy saliva, lethargy, appetite loss.

• Mouth issues (stomatitis): reddened/swollen gums, cheesy deposits, drool/strings of saliva.

• Mites: tiny moving black/brown specks (esp. around eyes/folds), excessive soaking/restlessness.

• Stuck sheds; burns from unguarded heat; sudden weight loss.

If noted —

• Minimize handling, verify temps/ventilation, and contact an experienced reptile vet (ARAV-listed if possible).

Laws — U.S. rules vary by state/city (native wildlife, possession limits, sales). The federal Lacey Act prohibits trade/transport of wildlife taken or possessed in violation of any law—know your local rules before acquiring or transporting animals.

Public health — Reptiles can carry Salmonella even when healthy. Wash hands after contact with the snake, enclosure, or feeders; keep reptiles out of kitchens/food-prep areas; supervise children/high-risk people.

Heat/electrical — Put EVERY heat source on a thermostat; guard bulbs/panels; verify temps with digital probes + an IR temp gun; use GFCI in humid rooms; drip loops on cords.

Security — Escape-proof doors/latches; check vents/gaps. Transport in secure, ventilated tubs/bags. No cohabitation.

Enclosure & hardware

□ Front-opening 48×24×24" (or larger) with reliable locks

□ T5 HO UVB (5–6%) on warm side; timer (12/12)

□ Halogen basking(s) + ceramic sockets + thermostat(s)

□ Digital probe thermometers/hygrometers (×2+) + IR temp gun

□ Optional: Solarmeter 6.5 (verify UVI 2–3 at bask)

Habitat

□ Loose, clean substrate (~4") + leaf litter; humid-hide sphagnum

□ 2–3 tight hides (warm/cool/humid); cork tubes/branches/ledges

□ Large, heavy water bowl (soakable)

Feeding & care

□ Feeding tongs; F/T prey in correct sizes; scale (snake & prey)

□ Disinfectant (F10/Rescue); paper towels; spare décor

□ Quarantine tub and extra thermostat/probe for new arrivals