The Eastern Kingsnake, also known as the Chain or Common Kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula, is one of the first snakes to have been bred on a commercial scale. It remains extremely popular today, as do its many relatives, especially the California Kingsnake, L. califoriae.  Most of the numerous subspecies and related species breed well in captivity. In fact, the California Kingsnake is a pet trade staple, and breeders have created a wide range of “designer color patterns”.  Many kingsnake species will inter-breed, so that crosses, or hybrids, between Black Kingsnakes, Florida Kingsnakes, Mexican Black Kingsnakes, Desert Kingsnakes, Speckled Kingsnake and Yuma Kingsnakes are now available.

Eastern Kingsnakes should be provided with an ambient temperature gradient of 70-80F and a basking site of 90F. Most individuals are fairly secretive, so a secure, dark cave or other hiding spot is required. Kingsnakes generally choose the smallest hideaway that will accommodate their bodies.  

Eastern Kingsnakes fare well on a diet of mice, but they are partial to other snakes as food, so pairs must be watched carefully, especially at feeding time

Kingsnakes should be subjected to a 2-3 month cooling off period at 59-68 F during the winter.  Mating occurs from March through June, and the eggs are deposited 30-50 days afterwards.  Some females produce a second clutch (from a single mating) in late summer or early fall.  Clutch size varies from 3-21 (9-10 is typical).

Eastern Kingsnake eggs are best incubated in moist large-grain vermiculite at a vermiculite:water ratio of 1:1 by weight. When kept at 82 F, the eggs will hatch in 60-75 days.  The hatch rate is usually a 90% or higher.  The hatchlings measure 8-12 inches long and are able to consume pinkies (newborn mice) as their first meal.  Sexual maturity is reached at approximately 2 ½ years of age.

Whether you are new to snake-keeping or well-experienced, I can heartily recommend the beautiful, hearty Eastern Kingsnake as a candidate for a breeding project. I'll cover the care and breeding of other snakes in future articles. Until then, I look forward to your questions and comments. 

Thanks, Haiden

Photo #1Eastern Kingsnake; By en:User:Dawson - Own work

Photo#2 Speckled Kingsnake : Public Domain, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11684595

Photo #3 Scarlet Kingsnake; By en:User:Dawson - [1], CC BY-SA 2.5,