# California kingsnake — care routine

Lampropeltis californiae

Read with the complete profile and individual plan.

## Before arrival

- [ ] The 150 × 60 × 60 cm vivarium listed here may be an option, but its fit depends on your adult snake’s size. Measure usable internal length against the individual’s full straight-line length and check width and height too; published guides use different proportions. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/california-kingsnake/#knowledge-housing)
- [ ] Budget for a lasting enclosure, frozen food, lighting and reptile-vet care. Ask for the individual’s length and feeding history. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/california-kingsnake/#knowledge-commitment)

## Routine checks

- [ ] Each day, check the snake, fresh drinking water and controls, and record enclosure humidity with the probe location and time. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/california-kingsnake/#knowledge-checklists)
- [ ] Replace drinking water at least daily and promptly if fouled. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/california-kingsnake/#knowledge-checklists)

## Regular care and records

- [ ] Check the humid refuge separately rather than using its reading as the whole-enclosure value. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/california-kingsnake/#knowledge-checklists)
- [ ] Inspect doors, vents, cable entries and hides. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/california-kingsnake/#knowledge-checklists)
- [ ] Record meal dates and weight trends so a holiday keeper does not duplicate feeding. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/california-kingsnake/#knowledge-checklists)

## When to stop and seek help

- [ ] Record feeding, sheds and weight. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/california-kingsnake/#knowledge-health)
- [ ] Wheezing, open-mouth breathing, burns, repeated regurgitation, mites or sustained weight loss need a reptile vet. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/california-kingsnake/#knowledge-health)