What a kingsnake really costs
$19,800 lifetime$1,630 first year$760 a year afterBreakdown
A captive-bred California kingsnake costs about $100–$150 (PetSmart sells a king snake for $119.99), but the 4×2×2 ft enclosure with halogen heat, low-level UVB, a thermostat and 4 in of soil costs about $610–$970 (typically near $740). After that, substrate changes, frozen mice, bulbs and about $98 of electricity come to roughly $480 a year before vet bills, for a snake that can live 20–30 years.
- Life expectancy
- 20–30 years
- Size
- 3–4 ft long on average (California kingsnake); some kingsnakes pass 6 ft
- Care level
- Low
- Price
- $100–$150
- Setup
- About $740
- Insurance
- Available
Estimate for: One adult captive-bred California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae, about 3.5–4 ft), the most commonly kept kingsnake, in a 4×2×2 ft (120-gallon) enclosure and fed frozen/thawed mice. Space needed: 4×2×2 ft (120-gallon) escape-proof enclosure for one adult, larger for snakes over 4 ft; never house two together.
Lifetime cost$19,800
First year $1,630Then about $760 a year
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Where the money goes each year
A typical year for a kingsnake, with typical spending in an average-cost area, no insurance.
- Full substrate change$267
- Annual reptile-vet exam + fecal test$150
- Illness and injury (average)$125
- Electricity for heat and UVB$98
- Frozen/thawed mice$60
- Halogen heat bulb replacements$32
- UVB tube replacement$26
- Typical year$760
Most years land between $610 and $1,190. Items replaced on a cycle are spread across the years.
Setup and the first year
For kingsnakes, the equipment costs far more than the animal.
Bringing it home
- Price: Breeder, reptile show or pet store$125
- 4×2×2 ft (120-gallon) front-opening PVC enclosure$299
- Dual halogen heat lamp fixture + two bulbs$77
- Low-strength T5 HO UVB fixture + 22 in tube$83
- Dimmer or thermostat for the heat lamps$50
- 2 digital thermometer/hygrometers + infrared temp gun$57
- Soil-type substrate, about 4 in deep (initial fill)$88
- Two hides, branch, sphagnum moss and leaf litter$54
- Large water bowl + feeding tongs$33
- New-pet reptile-vet exam$100
- Fecal parasite test$60
- To bring them home$1,030
Running costs in year one
- Frozen/thawed mice$60
- Full substrate change$267
- UVB tube replacement$26
- Halogen heat bulb replacements$32
- Electricity for heat and UVB$98
- Illness and injury (average)$125
- Year-one running costs$610
First-year total: $1,630.
Make it your estimate
Change the choices that move the price most. Totals update as you go.
Your lifetime estimate$19,800
First year $1,630Then about $760 a yearOver 25 years
$63 a month in a typical year.
Show your yearly breakdown
- Full substrate change$267
- Annual reptile-vet exam + fecal test$150
- Illness and injury (average)$125
- Electricity for heat and UVB$98
- Frozen/thawed mice$60
- Halogen heat bulb replacements$32
- UVB tube replacement$26
- Typical year$760
What to buy
The gear and supplies in this estimate, matched to a kingsnake. Each link searches Amazon for the right type and size.
- 4×2×2 ft (120-gallon) front-opening PVC enclosureSetup, typically about $299See on Amazon
- Dual halogen heat lamp fixture + two bulbsSetup, typically about $77See on Amazon
- Low-strength T5 HO UVB fixture + 22 in tubeSetup, typically about $83See on Amazon
- Dimmer or thermostat for the heat lampsSetup, typically about $50See on Amazon
- 2 digital thermometer/hygrometers + infrared temp gunSetup, typically about $57See on Amazon
- Soil-type substrate, about 4 in deep (initial fill)Setup, typically about $88See on Amazon
- Two hides, branch, sphagnum moss and leaf litterSetup, typically about $54See on Amazon
- Large water bowl + feeding tongsSetup, typically about $33See on Amazon
- UVB tube replacementOngoing, typically about $26 a yearSee on Amazon
- Halogen heat bulb replacementsOngoing, typically about $16 each, twice a yearSee on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, PetPriceTag earns from qualifying purchases. Buying through these links costs you nothing extra and never changes our cost figures.
Health costs to plan for
| Condition | What it is | Typical treatment | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Respiratory infection | VCA: mostly bacterial, often with mouth rot; signs include mucus in the mouth, wheezing, gurgling and open-mouth breathing. Petco links it to wrong temperature or humidity. Source | Exam, culture, bloodwork and X-rays ($300–$500 before medication per Furry Critter Network) plus antibiotics; severe cases need hospital care (estimate) | $300–$600 |
| Mouth rot (infectious stomatitis) | VCA: bleeding gums or cheesy pus, often linked to dirty cages or wrong temperature or humidity; usually needs injectable antibiotics, mouth cleaning and rinses for weeks. Petco says it can be fatal untreated. Source | Exam ($86–$118), bacterial culture ($100–$200 per Furry Critter Network), antibiotics and a recheck ($77 at Gentle Vet); estimate built from those fees | $200–$500 |
| Snake mites | Merck: Ophionyssus natricis causes anemia and can carry bacterial and viral disease; control needs treatment of both the snake and the enclosure, and new animals should be quarantined. Source | Exam ($86–$118), antiparasitic treatment, a recheck ($77) and new substrate ($78–$104); estimate built from those fees | $100–$300 |
| Internal parasites | VCA: worms, protozoa and coccidia are common, often show no signs and are found on a fecal test; they can cause regurgitation, diarrhea and weight loss. Cryptosporidiosis may be impossible to treat. Source | Fecal test ($30–$61), dewormer by mouth or injection, and a recheck fecal (estimate) | $100–$250 |
The yearly estimate includes an average of $125 for illness and injury. Insurance is available for this pet; turn it on in the calculator to compare.
What drives the cost
- The enclosure is the big one-time cost: ReptiFiles sets a 48×24×24 in minimum for one kingsnake and more room for snakes over 4 ft, and a 4×2×2 ft PVC enclosure costs $275–$299 before heat, UVB and decor (a 5×2×2 is $349).
- Substrate is the largest running cost, not food: ReptiFiles calls for about 80 quarts of soil-type substrate in a 4×2×2 and a full change every 3–4 months, about $264 a year at PetSmart's Eco Earth prices.
- Food is cheap: adults eat every 10–14 days (ReptiFiles), 26–37 mice a year. That is about $30 in bulk from RodentPro (around $1 a mouse) or up to about $111 at PetSmart's 5-pack price ($3.00 each).
- Heat and light run about 12 hours a day: two 50 W halogens plus a 24 W UVB tube use about 543 kWh a year, roughly $98 at the EIA's 17.99¢/kWh average.
- Kingsnakes eat other snakes, so ReptiFiles says to keep only one per enclosure; a second snake means a second full setup.
- These are long-lived pets: ReptiFiles says 20+ years and the San Diego Zoo 20–30, so the lifetime bill is mostly substrate, electricity, bulbs and checkups.
Is it legal where you live?
The California kingsnake is legal without a permit in most states. Hawaii prohibits all snakes, and New Jersey requires an exotic/nongame permit for all king snakes (Lampropeltis spp.). Georgia bans keeping its native black, eastern, mole and scarlet kingsnakes and the milksnake as pets regardless of origin; the non-native California kingsnake is not on that list. In California, captive-bred California kingsnakes may be sold with a numbered bill of sale (the buyer keeps a copy), breeding needs an $83.95 CDFW permit, and wild-caught natives cannot be sold. Other states may limit collecting or selling native kingsnakes, so buy captive-bred and check your state wildlife agency.
Restricted or banned in: Hawaii, New Jersey.
Cities and counties can have their own rules. Check locally before you buy.
- Breeder, reptile show or pet store
- $100–$150
- Lifetime
- $19,800
How this estimate is built
Every line, with the typical, thrifty and generous figures and where each comes from.
Show all 18 line items and their sources
| Item | Typical | Basis and sources | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | |||
| 4×2×2 ft (120-gallon) front-opening PVC enclosure | $299 | ReptiFiles: one average kingsnake needs at least 48×24×24 in, snakes over 4 ft need more, and California kingsnakes reach 42–50 in; Reptiles Magazine also suggests 4×2×2 ft and says it must be escape-proof. Typical: Dubia.com 4×2×2 PVC V3 $299. Low: Zen Habitats 4×2×2 from $275.40. High: Dubia.com 5×2×2 (150-gallon) V3 $349 for a snake over 4 ft. Stand extra. ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care Sheet (Lampropeltis spp.; California kingsnake 42–50 in); Reptiles Magazine: California Kingsnake Care Sheet; Dubia.com: 4x2x2 (120 Gallon) PVC Reptile Enclosure V3 ($299; 5x2x2 V3 $349); Zen Habitats: 4'x2'x2' Zen Habitat 3.0 (from $275.40) | |
| Dual halogen heat lamp fixture + two bulbs | $77 | ReptiFiles suggests two 50 W halogen flood bulbs over a basking spot of 85–90°F, in a Zoo Med Combo Deep Dome dual fixture. Typical: Combo Deep Dome $60.99 + 2 Arcadia GoldenSun 50 W ($7.99 each) = $77. Low: Zoo Med Mini Combo Deep Dome $38.99 + 2 Zilla Day White Mini Halogen 50 W ($7.69 each) = $54. High: Combo Deep Dome + 2 Exo Terra Halogen 75 W ($24.99 each) = $111, for a cool room. ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care Sheet (Lampropeltis spp.; California kingsnake 42–50 in); Dubia.com: Lighting collection, page 1 (Zilla Day White Mini Halogen 50 W $7.69); Dubia.com: Lighting collection, page 2 (Zoo Med Combo Deep Dome $60.99, Mini Combo Deep Dome $38.99, ReptiSun T5 HO hood with 5.0 bulb 24 in $77.99); Dubia.com: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater 50 W ($7.99); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Halogen Basking Spot 75 W ($24.99) | |
| Low-strength T5 HO UVB fixture + 22 in tube | $83 | ReptiFiles: a Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO 5.0 or Arcadia Forest 6% tube spanning about half the enclosure on the warm side, in an Arcadia ProT5 or similar fixture, for a basking UVI of 2.0–3.0. Arcadia ProT5 24 in kit with 6% tube $82.99; Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO terrarium hood with 5.0 tube, 24 in $77.99. ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care Sheet (Lampropeltis spp.; California kingsnake 42–50 in); ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care – Habitat and Husbandry (shopping list, substrate, feeding); Dubia.com: Arcadia ProT5 UVB Kit 24" with 6% bulb ($82.99); Dubia.com: Lighting collection, page 2 (Zoo Med Combo Deep Dome $60.99, Mini Combo Deep Dome $38.99, ReptiSun T5 HO hood with 5.0 bulb 24 in $77.99) | |
| Dimmer or thermostat for the heat lamps | $50 | Petco says to connect heat sources to thermostats, and ReptiFiles recommends a dimmer or proportional thermostat rather than an on/off unit for halogen bulbs. Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat $49.99; low: Zoo Med ReptiTemp Rheostat (dimmer) $32.99; high: Vivarium Electronics VE-100 $93.49. Petco: Kingsnake Care Guide; ReptiFiles: Corn Snake Lighting, Heating & Humidity (replace T5 UVB every 12 months; on/off thermostats shorten lamp life); Dubia.com: Thermostats collection (Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital $49.99, ReptiTemp Rheostat $32.99, Vivarium Electronics VE-100 $93.49) | |
| 2 digital thermometer/hygrometers + infrared temp gun | $57 | ReptiFiles: an infrared thermometer for the basking surface, a digital probe thermometer for the warm hide and a probe hygrometer to keep humidity at 40–60%; Petco says to use at least two thermometers. Typical: 2 Zoo Med Digital Combo gauges ($12.64 each) + Exo Terra infrared thermometer $31.89 = $57. Low: the two gauges only ($25). High: 2 Exo Terra Digital Combometers ($36.29 each) + temp gun = $104. ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care Sheet (Lampropeltis spp.; California kingsnake 42–50 in); Petco: Kingsnake Care Guide; Dubia.com: Zoo Med Digital Combo Thermometer Humidity Gauge ($12.64); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Infrared Thermometer ($31.89); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Digital Combometer ($36.29) | |
| Soil-type substrate, about 4 in deep (initial fill) | $88 | ReptiFiles: about 4 in of soil-type substrate such as Zoo Med Eco Earth, at least 80 quarts for a 4×2×2 enclosure, topped with leaf litter. Typical: 3 bags of Zoo Med Eco Earth 24 qt ($25.99 each) + one 8 qt bag ($9.99) = 80 qt, $88. Low: 3 bags (72 qt) = $78. High: 4 bags (96 qt) for a 5×2 ft floor = $104. ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care – Habitat and Husbandry (shopping list, substrate, feeding); PetSmart: Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber 24 qt ($25.99; 8 qt $9.99) | |
| Two hides, branch, sphagnum moss and leaf litter | $54 | ReptiFiles: at least two snug hides (one warm, one cool hide with damp sphagnum moss), plus branches or cork and a layer of leaf litter. Typical: 2 Exo Terra Reptile Caves, Large ($13.99 each) + Fluker's Bend-a-Branch, Large $13.49 + Galapagos green sphagnum 150 in³ $5.99 + Zoo Med Creatures leaf litter $6.49 = $54. Low: 2 caves + moss = $34. High: 2 Komodo Forest Den hides ($19.99 each) + 2 branches + 4 qt sphagnum ($10.99) + leaf litter = $84. ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care Sheet (Lampropeltis spp.; California kingsnake 42–50 in); ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care – Habitat and Husbandry (shopping list, substrate, feeding); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Reptile Cave, Large ($13.99); Dubia.com: Fluker's Bend-a-Branch, Large ($13.49); Dubia.com: Substrate collection (Zoo Med Creatures leaf litter $6.49; Galapagos green sphagnum moss 150 in³ $5.99, 4 qt $10.99); Dubia.com: Komodo Forest Den Reptile Hideout ($19.99) | |
| Large water bowl + feeding tongs | $33 | ReptiFiles: a water bowl big enough for the snake to soak in, scrubbed weekly, and soft-tipped tongs for frozen/thawed prey. Exo Terra Water Dish, Large $19.99 + Exo Terra 12 in tweezers $12.99 = $33. High: Exo Terra Corner Water Dish, XL $29.69 + tweezers = $43. ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care Sheet (Lampropeltis spp.; California kingsnake 42–50 in); ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care – Habitat and Husbandry (shopping list, substrate, feeding); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Water Dish, Large ($19.99); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Corner Water Dish, XL ($29.69); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Tweezers Straight 12" ($12.99) | |
| First year | |||
| New-pet reptile-vet exam | $100 | VCA says snake intestinal parasites usually show no signs and are found at an exam with a fecal check; Reptiles Magazine advises buying a parasite-free, established captive-bred snake. Exotic exam fees: Forever Vets (FL) $86; Gentle Vet (WI) wellness exam from $107.62. Furry Critter Network: $75–$150. VCA: Common Diseases of Pet Snakes; Reptiles Magazine: California Kingsnake Care Sheet; Forever Vets (FL): Pricing (exotic exam $86, fecal test $61); Gentle Vet Animal Hospital (Green Bay, WI): Exotics pricing, Feb 2026 (wellness exam from $107.62, consultation from $118.39, recheck $77.10); Furry Critter Network: Budgeting for snake vet care | |
| Fecal parasite test | $60 | Forever Vets charges $61 for a fecal test; Furry Critter Network puts fecal testing at $30–$60 and warns pet-store colubrids often carry internal parasites. Forever Vets (FL): Pricing (exotic exam $86, fecal test $61); Furry Critter Network: Budgeting for snake vet care | |
| Every year | |||
| Frozen/thawed mice | $60 | Adult rate. ReptiFiles: adults eat every 10–14 days (26–37 meals a year), prey no wider than 1.5× the snake's widest point; Petco and Reptiles Magazine say weekly, cut back if the snake gets fat. Typical: 30 meals at about $2 a mouse, between RodentPro extra-large mice in bulk (25 for $39.75, $1.59 each) and PetSmart's 5-pack ($14.99, $3.00 each) = $60. Low: 26 large mice from a 50-bag at RodentPro ($52, $1.04 each; free shipping only from $99, so best when buying two years' worth or splitting an order) = about $30 with some waste. High: 37 meals at PetSmart's 5-pack price = $111. Hatchlings and juveniles eat smaller prey every 5–10 days. ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care Sheet (Lampropeltis spp.; California kingsnake 42–50 in); Petco: Kingsnake Care Guide; Reptiles Magazine: California Kingsnake Care Sheet; RodentPro: Frozen white mice (Large 50 for $52.00; Extra-Large 25 for $39.75; free ground shipping on $99+); RodentPro: Shipping policy (free FedEx Ground on frozen orders of $99+); PetSmart: Arctic Mice Frozen Large Mice, 5 ct ($14.99) | |
| Full substrate change | $88 3 times a year | ReptiFiles: spot-clean waste daily and replace all substrate every 3–4 months. One change = 80 qt of Eco Earth ($88); low 72 qt ($78); high 96 qt for a 5×2 ft floor ($104). Priced at three changes a year (about $264 typical). ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care Sheet (Lampropeltis spp.; California kingsnake 42–50 in); PetSmart: Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber 24 qt ($25.99; 8 qt $9.99) | |
| UVB tube replacement | $26 | The kingsnake sheet gives no interval; ReptiFiles' corn snake guide says T5 UVB tubes should be changed every 12 months even if they still light. Zoo Med T5 HO ReptiSun 5.0, 22 in $25.99; Arcadia D3 6% 22 in $27.99. ReptiFiles: Corn Snake Lighting, Heating & Humidity (replace T5 UVB every 12 months; on/off thermostats shorten lamp life); Dubia.com: Zoo Med T5 HO ReptiSun 5.0 UVB, 22" ($25.99); Dubia.com: Arcadia D3 6% UVB T5 Bulb 22" ($27.99) | |
| Halogen heat bulb replacements | $16 2 times a year | One set = 2 Arcadia GoldenSun 50 W halogens ($7.99 each), assumed replaced twice a year (ReptiFiles notes on/off thermostats shorten lamp life). Low: 2 Zilla 50 W mini halogens ($7.69 each). High: 2 Exo Terra Halogen 75 W ($24.99 each). ReptiFiles: Corn Snake Lighting, Heating & Humidity (replace T5 UVB every 12 months; on/off thermostats shorten lamp life); Dubia.com: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater 50 W ($7.99); Dubia.com: Lighting collection, page 1 (Zilla Day White Mini Halogen 50 W $7.69); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Halogen Basking Spot 75 W ($24.99) | |
| Electricity for heat and UVB | $98 | ReptiFiles: about 12 hours of light a day, heat off at night. Typical: 2 × 50 W halogens + 24 W T5 UVB (Zoo Med's 22 in ReptiSun is 24 W) = 124 W × 12 h × 365 = 543 kWh × $0.1799/kWh (EIA US residential average, 12 months to July 2026) = $98. Low: a dimmer holds heat to about 50 W, 74 W × 12 h = 324 kWh = $58. High: 2 × 75 W halogens + UVB = 174 W × 12 h = 762 kWh = $137. EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.3: Average price of electricity by sector (residential, rolling 12 months to July 2026 = 17.99¢/kWh); ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care Sheet (Lampropeltis spp.; California kingsnake 42–50 in); Zoo Med: ReptiSun 5.0 UVB T5 HO (22 in lamp = 24 W) | |
| Annual reptile-vet exam + fecal test | $150 | VCA says all reptiles need an annual health exam, with a fecal check for intestinal parasites. Exam $86–$108 (Forever Vets, Gentle Vet) + fecal $61 = about $150; Furry Critter Network: $75–$150 exam plus $30–$60 fecal. VCA: Annual Veterinary Visit for Reptiles; VCA: Common Diseases of Pet Snakes; Forever Vets (FL): Pricing (exotic exam $86, fecal test $61); Gentle Vet Animal Hospital (Green Bay, WI): Exotics pricing, Feb 2026 (wellness exam from $107.62, consultation from $118.39, recheck $77.10); Furry Critter Network: Budgeting for snake vet care | |
| Illness and injury, per year | |||
| Unexpected vet bills (illness and injury) | $125 | Limited data: no US claims or survey data on snake illness spending was found. Furry Critter Network says hardy colubrids such as king snakes are generally less expensive to keep from a vet's point of view, but a respiratory workup (exam, culture, bloodwork, imaging) can reach $300–$500 before medication, and it suggests saving $20–$50 a month per snake. Assuming one $350–$500 episode every three to four years gives about $125 a year; $50 for a snake with only minor issues; $400 for one with recurring problems. Furry Critter Network: Budgeting for snake vet care; VCA: Common Diseases of Pet Snakes | |
| Insurance, per month | |||
| Nationwide Avian & Exotic (accident & illness) | $15 | Nationwide's exotic plan covers reptiles (accidents, illness, internal parasites, upper respiratory infection), excludes venomous species, and says premiums generally start under $21/month; quotes are by phone. No kingsnake quote was found; The Zebra reports $11.75/month for a 4-year-old bearded dragon (Jan 2026) and MoneyGeek puts Nationwide reptile coverage at $27/month on average. Nationwide: Pet insurance for exotic pets; The Zebra: Exotic Pet Insurance (Nationwide reptile quote, updated Jan 2026); MoneyGeek: Exotic pet insurance (reptile premium averages) | |
More reptiles and amphibians by yearly cost
- Corn snake$640 a year
- Russian tortoise$690 a year
- Blue-tongued skink$740 a year
- Veiled chameleon$750 a year
- Ball python$810 a year
- Red-eared slider$820 a year
- Compare all reptiles and amphibians
Common questions
How much does a kingsnake cost?
Breeder, reptile show or pet store: $100–$150. The bigger costs come after: about $740 to set up, about $1,630 for the whole first year, then about $760 a year.
How much does a kingsnake cost per year?
About $760 a year ($63 a month) for a typical owner in an average-cost area, ranging from about $610 for a thrifty owner in a lower-cost area to $1,190 for a generous owner in a big city with insurance.
How much does a kingsnake cost over its lifetime?
About $19,800 over a 25-year life, in 2026 dollars.
Sources
- ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care Sheet (Lampropeltis spp.; California kingsnake 42–50 in)
- ReptiFiles: Kingsnake Care – Habitat and Husbandry (shopping list, substrate, feeding)
- Reptiles Magazine: California Kingsnake Care Sheet
- Petco: Kingsnake Care Guide
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: Kingsnake (20–30 year lifespan)
- VCA: Common Diseases of Pet Snakes
- VCA: Annual Veterinary Visit for Reptiles
- EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.3: Average price of electricity by sector (residential, rolling 12 months to July 2026 = 17.99¢/kWh)
- Furry Critter Network: Budgeting for snake vet care
- PetSmart: King Snake ($119.99, in-store only)
- The Bio Dude: Banded California Kingsnake, established juvenile ($149.95)
- MoreReptiles: How Much Do Snakes Cost? (updated July 2023)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Parasitic Diseases of Reptiles
- Dubia.com: 4x2x2 (120 Gallon) PVC Reptile Enclosure V3 ($299; 5x2x2 V3 $349)
- Zen Habitats: 4'x2'x2' Zen Habitat 3.0 (from $275.40)
- Dubia.com: Lighting collection, page 1 (Zilla Day White Mini Halogen 50 W $7.69)
- Dubia.com: Lighting collection, page 2 (Zoo Med Combo Deep Dome $60.99, Mini Combo Deep Dome $38.99, ReptiSun T5 HO hood with 5.0 bulb 24 in $77.99)
- Dubia.com: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater 50 W ($7.99)
- Dubia.com: Exo Terra Halogen Basking Spot 75 W ($24.99)
- Dubia.com: Arcadia ProT5 UVB Kit 24" with 6% bulb ($82.99)
- ReptiFiles: Corn Snake Lighting, Heating & Humidity (replace T5 UVB every 12 months; on/off thermostats shorten lamp life)
- Dubia.com: Thermostats collection (Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital $49.99, ReptiTemp Rheostat $32.99, Vivarium Electronics VE-100 $93.49)
- Dubia.com: Zoo Med Digital Combo Thermometer Humidity Gauge ($12.64)
- Dubia.com: Exo Terra Infrared Thermometer ($31.89)
- Dubia.com: Exo Terra Digital Combometer ($36.29)
- PetSmart: Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber 24 qt ($25.99; 8 qt $9.99)
- Dubia.com: Exo Terra Reptile Cave, Large ($13.99)
- Dubia.com: Fluker's Bend-a-Branch, Large ($13.49)
- Dubia.com: Substrate collection (Zoo Med Creatures leaf litter $6.49; Galapagos green sphagnum moss 150 in³ $5.99, 4 qt $10.99)
- Dubia.com: Komodo Forest Den Reptile Hideout ($19.99)
- Dubia.com: Exo Terra Water Dish, Large ($19.99)
- Dubia.com: Exo Terra Corner Water Dish, XL ($29.69)
- Dubia.com: Exo Terra Tweezers Straight 12" ($12.99)
- Forever Vets (FL): Pricing (exotic exam $86, fecal test $61)
- Gentle Vet Animal Hospital (Green Bay, WI): Exotics pricing, Feb 2026 (wellness exam from $107.62, consultation from $118.39, recheck $77.10)
- RodentPro: Frozen white mice (Large 50 for $52.00; Extra-Large 25 for $39.75; free ground shipping on $99+)
- RodentPro: Shipping policy (free FedEx Ground on frozen orders of $99+)
- PetSmart: Arctic Mice Frozen Large Mice, 5 ct ($14.99)
- Dubia.com: Zoo Med T5 HO ReptiSun 5.0 UVB, 22" ($25.99)
- Dubia.com: Arcadia D3 6% UVB T5 Bulb 22" ($27.99)
- Zoo Med: ReptiSun 5.0 UVB T5 HO (22 in lamp = 24 W)
- Nationwide: Pet insurance for exotic pets
- The Zebra: Exotic Pet Insurance (Nationwide reptile quote, updated Jan 2026)
- MoneyGeek: Exotic pet insurance (reptile premium averages)
- Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture: List of Prohibited Animals (all snakes, Serpentes)
- NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife: Exotic and nongame species requiring a permit (King snakes, Lampropeltis spp.)
- Georgia DNR Law Enforcement: Laws Related to Native Wildlife (black, eastern, mole and scarlet kingsnakes and milksnake may not be held as pets)
- Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, § 43: Native reptiles (California kingsnake on the list that may be sold; numbered bill of sale) (Justia)
- CDFW: Native Reptile Captive Propagation (Breeding) Permits ($83.95 for 2026)
Estimates in 2026 US dollars. Vet prices for this pet use the same region adjustment as the rest of the site (methodology). Updated October 18, 2026. Spot a wrong figure?