Species Notes based on experiences:

Eastern Chain King Snakes were long considered the nominate subspecies of North American King Snake or Common King Snake. They were the largest subspecies by a chalk and could approach 2 metres in length. It is a crying shame that this snake did not establish a greater following in the UK. Examples can still be found but they are becoming scarce. An albino variant was in circulation in the Early to mid 2000’s but it has been many years since we have seen one offered.

Score analysis:

Baby Chain King Snakes can be nervous in the hand. They rattle their tail readily and it is very common to be defecated upon through fear. This is normal for a lot of baby King Snakes though so should not be considered out of the ordinary. Most of the time Chain King Snakes grow up to be an absolute pleasure to work with becoming tame and inquisitive snakes. Even though this is the largest example of the species they are invariably tamer than both the Florida and Californian King Snake. Making the lack of popularity all the harder to explain.      

The occasionally nervous nature of the young can make them highly defensive in the enclosure. Flattening of the head, hissing, mock strikes, tail rattling and the use of the musk gland can waving of the tail are all pretty much standard procedure. This accounts for why the territoriality score is so much lower than the temperament score. Usually once removed from the enclosure compliance is quick to follow. These episodes with youngsters are fleeting and the keep just has to persevere to get to the compliance stage.

Northern regions of the range are harsh and winters will see the species brumate for a period of the year. As with the rest of the ‘getula’ snakes Chain King snakes have proven to be hardy and easy going snakes.
Largest of the species with records of animals in excess of 2 metres in length. The average length usually falls well short of this but would still be in excess of 150cm. The adult size score has then been modified accordingly. A score of 65% may have been a little harsh but it was with mximum size in mind. This is certainly bigger than a Corn Snake and a generous score would see this rise to 80%. The overall score would then increase to 85%

King Snakes, particularly the North American King Snakes are eating machines. The Chain King Snake is no different in this sense. Feeding will seldom be an issue and owing to their largest adult size they are voracious when younger. On occasion care must be taken as they may misjudge a finger for a meal.
 
Enclosure recommendations:

Tub:
50 ltr, but very large specimens may make this style inappropriate

Vivarium:
    120cm x 60cm x 60cm

Budget rig: -
    40cm x 30cm heat pad
    On / off thermostat
    Digital thermometer to monitor thermostat performance
    Warm hide
    Cool hide
    Water bowl
    substrate

Recommended rig (vivarium only): -
    250w ceramic heat emitter
    Ceramic lamp holder and bracket
    Bulb guard
    Day night thermostat
    Digital thermometer to monitor thermostat performance
    Various logs and caves along the thermal gradient
    Damp hide
    Climbing and exercise branches
    Plants and foliage (live or artificial – your choice)
   Water bowl
    Substrate
    UVB light (8w T5 shade dweller 7% kit from Arcadia or equivalent) (optional)
    Subterranean section to vivarium for further psychological security (optional)

Climate analysis:

Northern Parts of the range in New Jersey are considerably more exposed than regions in the south. A winter period with average temperatures dropping below 0°c will see brumation take place. Of course these are averages, certain areas within this range could fare far worse. Southern range through the centre and East of Florida is far more clement. Ready breeders and unproblematic snakes to keep, this species will readily copulate if offered just a bit of a winter cool down and enforced fasting period.     
 
Conclusion:

A missed opportunity on the part of the UK hobby as a whole. We have not capitalised whilst these animals were available leading to a shortage now. We are unclear on the US laws pertaining to their shipment to the UK but it is unlikely there would be the demand to do so. IT is a real shame as this is a fantastic King snake and for a larger animal actually far more placid than some of its more popular cousins. No doubt if a plethora of colour morphs were available and therefore money to be made it would be a different story altogether. If you have to opportunity to work with one and you like the idea of a chunky mature animal this could be perfect for you.