🐍 General Info

Milk Snakes (Genus: Lampropeltis triangulum complex) are small-to-medium colubrids native to North, Central, and parts of South America. They are known for their vibrant banding, often bright red, black, and white/yellow, with pattern and color varying widely across subspecies (such as Honduran, Sinaloan, Pueblan, Eastern, and more).

Milk snakes are typically docile, easy to care for, and make excellent beginner and intermediate pets. Adults generally reach 2–4 feet, with some larger subspecies (like Honduran) reaching 5+ feet. They are curious, active, and excellent feeders with a strong appetite.

With proper care, milk snakes can live 15–20 years in captivity.

Enclosure

  • Size:

    • Juveniles: 20-gallon long or similar

    • Adults: Minimum 40-gallon (36" x 18" x 18")

  • Material:

    • Glass tanks, front-opening PVC enclosures, or secure tubs all work.

    • Must be escape-proof — milk snakes are surprisingly good at squeezing through tiny gaps.

  • Décor:

    • Provide two hides (warm hide & cool hide).

    • Add cork bark, branches, leaf litter, and clutter for security.

    • Milk snakes love tight spaces and will burrow under décor.

  • Substrate:

    • Aspen shavings

    • Coconut husk

    • Reptichip

    • Paper substrate (simple but less natural)

    • Depth of 2–3 inches allows burrowing, which they enjoy.

Temperature & Lighting

  • Warm Side: 85–88°F

  • Cool Side: 72–75°F

  • Ambient: 75–80°F

  • Night Temperature: Safe to drop to 70–72°F

  • Heating:

    • Use an under-tank heater or heat mat controlled by a thermostat.

    • You can also use overhead halogens for a mild basking area.

  • Lighting:

    • Milk snakes do not require UVB, but low-level UVB (2.0 or 5.0) can be beneficial for natural behavior.

    • Provide a 12-hour day/night cycle.

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 40–60%

    • Slightly increase during shedding.

    • Provide a small humid hide if needed.

    • Milk snakes are prone to respiratory issues if kept too humid.

  • Water:

    • Provide a shallow, sturdy water dish large enough for soaking.

    • Change water daily or when dirty.

Diet

  • Type: Carnivorous — strictly rodent diet.

  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Hatchlings/Juveniles: Every 5–7 days

    • Adults: Every 7–14 days, depending on body condition

  • Feeding Tips:

    • Try to feed frozen/thawed rodents as feeding live rodents can cause injury.

    • Use tongs when feeding frozen thawed rodents

    • Appropriately sized mice or very small rats - no wider than the snakes widest part of their body

  • Notes:

  • Avoid feeding live unless absolutely necessary.

  • Milk snakes are known to musk or be flighty before meals — normal behavior.

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: Milk snakes are typically docile but can be initially squirmy or nervous. They tend to calm down with consistent, gentle handling.
    They are active at night (crepuscular/nocturnal), often exploring after dark.

  • Handling:

    • Start slow; short sessions at first.

    • Support the body fully and avoid sudden movements.

    • They may musk when startled — this usually stops with age.

  • Enrichment:

    • Branches for climbing

    • Places to burrow

    • Leaf litter & tunnels

    • Rearrange décor occasionally to encourage exploration

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 15–20 years

  • Common Health Issues:

    • Shedding problems: Usually from low humidity or dehydration

    • Respiratory infections: Caused by too-cold or too-humid conditions

    • Mites: Small black dots around eyes, mouth, or water bowl

    • Internal parasites: Rare in captive-bred snakes, more common in wild-caught

  • Signs of Illness:

    • Wheezing or clicking when breathing

    • Refusing food for extended periods (outside normal seasonal fasts)

    • Stuck shed or retained eye caps

    • Sudden weight loss

    • Bubbles or mucus around the nostrils

  • Veterinary Care: Professional veterinary care should always be consulted when you think your pet may have an issue. Watch for signs of illness, catching an issue early on goes a long way.

Final Thoughts:

Milk snakes are one of the best beginner-friendly colubrids, combining bold colors, manageable size, and hardy care requirements. With a secure enclosure, proper temperatures, and regular feeding, these snakes thrive and can become curious, confident pets for many years.