Hello---First Post---CA King Snake

[robert177]

Hello all, I am excited to be here.

I became the owner of a gorgeous 2.5-ft gorgeous California King Snake 3 months ago. He is a great eater, and very energetic.

I need some advice on enclosure design. He now has a decent size cube-shaped terrarium, and he likes to climb. I built him a custom "jungle gym" from sections of cut and hollow PVC pipe, and he likes to climb through the various tunnels and play "peek a boo" from various locations where it sticks up.

My issue is where he prefers to hide on the floor of the aquarium. I used to have a 4 x 7" plastic tupperware lid on the floor, and he would hide and sleep under that. I wanted to get him something classier and "snakier" looking, so on ebay I bought him this (Exo Terra Snake Cave (Large), upc #015561228473.

But, after a week or so, he refuses to go inside it, even though it looks cozy, contains his regular lizard litter, sits above the warm spot, and is big enough for him.

It's very frustrating. Is there something I don't understand about CA Kingsnakes ? Do they not like to go hide inside hollow rocks?

Thanks,
Robert

[Venomhunter]

Hi, welcome to the forum!
I can't imagine that CA kings don't like to hide in hollow rocks, in the wild they also search for cracks and openings in the rock.
I actually never had this problem, but i'm sure somebody on the forum knows what might be wrong :)

[reptiledude987]

The only issue I can think of would be the temp inside the hide or its size being too big or too small. If temps are good and the size is right then CONGRATS! You have a bold snake that is in the open for you to see whenever you look into the enclosure!

[chairman]

Welcome.

Try moving the hide 6". If he doesn't use it within a couple days, move it another 6". Eventually you'll find out where he wants the rock placed.

Or, he just likes plastic boxes. You can use aquarium silicone to attach a cork bark flat to the top of a box to make it look more natural