It's a (completely wild, untamed) California King Snake that's kept in a somewhat small box without a light source for about three days now (Since Saturday morning). Is this extremely bad for the snake? Weather now's about 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit, it's in the box which is cardboard about 2-4 millimeters thick and closed up for the most part.
Answers:
It depends on the snake species, but California Kings can withstand some pretty cool temperatures. However, they do better when the temperature change is gradual which is how they brumate during the winter.
If it has been warm and you just placed it in a cardboard box, I would be concerned that the drop in temperatures and stress may lead to a respiratory infection. Unless you plan on getting a proper setup within the next day or two, I would suggest letting it go in a safe area back in its natural habitat.
Actually, I would recommend that regardless. Wild caught snakes rarely do very well in captivity and you might find that you will have a difficult time getting it to eat or to be handled easily.
why are you keepuing it in a box!!!?? if you plan on keeping it you will need to put it in a enclousure of some sort and yes they do need a basking light, it helps them digest their food and helps with their bones. if you got it from the wild please return it. it can be illegal in your area to collect snakes from the wild with out a permit. and obviously you dont know nothing about this species, or snakes in general. otherwise you wouldnt be treating him so poorly. i hope you either set him free or put him in a aquarium with a heat lamp, and reasearch this species!
snakes heat up in the sun in the morning so they get active. so they need a warm rock in the morning so just put a light in over it. but make sure that it's only in one corner so if it needs to if can go to the other corner to cool down if it needs to. be careful if it gets to hot they will die, if it gets to cold they will die. just give it the option to get out of the light.
I strongly agree with the response from ophidiophile...you are not off to a good start with this wild-caught species. I own an adult captive-bred California King Snake and I don't think you want to keep a wild-caught one without having more experience. Do yourself and the snake a favor...let it go in an appropriate place and you'll both be better off.
Many snakes are nocturnal and do not need a light but do need a heat sorse. They should have 12 hours of day light and 12 darkness . Since this is a wild snake he will probably be okay if your friend turns him lose today . My son caught a black racer years ago and it was the meanest thin you ever saw . I made him let it go . Wild snakes can also have parasites .
as I was reading your question I was cringing at reading the answers because I know how rude and harsh some people can be. but to answer your question they can withstand quite a bit for short periods of time. and 50 degrees is not terrribly harsh. but encourage your friend to release it and if they refuse. encourage them to get the proper equipment and housing for the snake the cost of all that should encourage them to let it go. if you know your friend will not take care of it or treat it the way it should be and wants to keep it. try this it works sometimes. just say... I think I might have read somewhere it is illegal to keep wild snakes in some states and the fine is pretty hefty it sometimes has jail time. and you will not have lied since you just read it here on YA.. hopefully something will work. good luck
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