King housing....why can't I decide?

[Tigergenesis]

For some reason I'm having a hard time deciding whether to put my 2 kings in display tanks (separate ones of course) or in a rack setup. They are both so active that part of me thinks they'd be great in a display setup. But of course, the benefit of a rack means an excuse and room for more snakes! Any excuse to get more snakes. As active as they are I'm inclined to think they'd enjoy a display setup with the extra room to explore and climb. The rack would of course be cheaper. Of course, they are also pretty young (about 9 months old). I also plan to get a Desert Kingsnake. Oh, woe is me!

I was wondering how others have their kings housed and if anyone has any suggestions. I'd love to see any pics of display cages if anyone keeps their kings in such setups.

Thanks,
Indecisive in Indiana

[marisa]

I used to keep my first two kings in tanks with display items in them. A Cal king and a Mexican Black.

It WAS cool. They did use the space sometimes. But as they grew and needed bigger tanks, the tanks got way to much to clean throughly because they were heavy for me to carry all the time. And since kings go to the bathroom so much, I just ended up hating it.

If you are willing to put the time into it, go for it! Mine are now in racks, and doing just as good.

Marisa

[KingFfaj]

when you say "desert king", do u actually mean desert king, or "desert phase Cal king"?
I dont see many L.g splendida around:(

[vanderkm]

We keep our cal kings, mexican black and variables (Durango mountain and San Luis) in tanks rather than the racks - they are very active and do use the space provided. We also find that our kings like to bask and take advantage of the overhead lights we have on during the daytime (though they do use belly heat as well). They really seem to like being out and seeing what is going on. Our bigger cal kings are also too large for me to feel comfortable keeping them in tubs - the biggest female cal king is about 5 feet long and uses all the space in a custom cage.

We have kept the variables in tubs with no problems - they are under about 3 feet long at maturity and seem to do fine in tubs, but we have one in a huge display cage now and he uses the full length of a tree (almost 4 feet) to climb and cruise around.

In my opinion, most of the kings are quite bold snakes - they don't seem to stay hidden as much as other species and I think they like the space of a big enclosure more than some shyer species.

mary v.

[Tigergenesis]

when you say "desert king", do u actually mean desert king, or "desert phase Cal king"?

I mean Desert Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula splendida). I have found one guy who has eggs right now (in Michigan). If I don't find anyone closer I'm going to go with him. He has some 'hi-yellow' Deserts.

Such a tough decision! They do seem to be very active (or nosey as I call it) snakes.

Thanks!