Posted by:
locoiguana
at Tue Jun 22 07:44:57 2004 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by locoiguana ]
I just got my Sinaloan about a month ago, so I'm certainly not an expert, but I can offer you my experiences.
Sinaloans are definitely burrowers. I keep mine in a 55 gallon terrarium with a Cyprus mulch substrate, which is very easy for him to slither in and out of. But just because they like to burrow doesn't mean you will never see them. Keep in mind that they are largely nocturnal, and will tend to come up and explore more in the evening. I usually see mine about once or twice a day, and I occasionally dig him out when I can't find him.
Mine handles pretty nicely, although (like most snakes) he refuses to be touched immediately after eating, and will nip at me if I come near him them. They can be a bit nippy when young, but I am told they mellow out considerably with age. Just yesterday I noticed that he also seems to be VERY aggressive when he is about to shed, but I'm not sure if this is common to all snakes or just him. Aside from that, though, I try to handle him just about every day, just to keep him used to it, and I usually don't have any problems. He's usually very active when being held, but he's never once bit at me once I've had him in my hand (although he is a bit jumpy to quick movements). All in all, I think he has tried to bite me maybe five or six times since I have had him, although he has only made contact once (and I didn't hurt at all). Usually it's more of a warning than an actual attack. He is very clear about saying "don't mess with me" when he wants to be left alone.
I've read that some Sinaloans can be fussy eaters, but it really just depends on the snakes individual personality. Mine is a VERY good eater - he is about 10 months old, and I feed him pinkie mice. He happily eats live or frozen, and always strikes within 60 seconds of noticing his food. I believe mice are a part of their natural diet in the wild, and based on my own experience, he seems to really enjoy them, so feeding is a breeze.
My Sinaloan is the first non-native snake I've ever owned, and I've been really pleased with him so far. They are really gorgeous animals, and can be very entertaining and rewarding to own. I got mine specifically because they are one of the best "beginner" Milk Snakes I researched, and they still have the beautiful tri-color pattern. Hope all this has helped - best of luck!
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RE: Considering a sinaloan milk snake... - locoiguana, Tue Jun 22 07:44:57 2004