Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I've been wanting to get a new snake, and have looked into several species,pythons,kings,sand boas, etc. Milksnakes really appeal to me, so I thought I'd post some questions. Is there a milksnake species that makes a better "starter" than another? Can milksnakes be handled? Also, can anyone point me toward a good caresheet? Thanks for any help!
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1.0 Hypo Tang Leopard Gecko
0.1 Normal Leopard Gecko
0.1 SHTCT Baldy Leopard Gecko
0.1 SHCT Leopard Gecko
0.0.3 Hypo Leopard Geckos
1.0 African Fat Tailed Gecko
1.1 Crested Geckos
0.1 California Kingsnake
1.1 Cornsnakes
1.0 Ball Python

Milksnakes Kick A_ _ !
I’ve had pythons, boas, and kings! I must say out of all of them, the milks have been my favorite. As long as you buy a milk that is eating regular, I don’t think you should have any problems, they all rock! I think the question you need to ask yourself is what size snake do you want to keep? I recently sold my Mexican milks, and they were about two feet. I have some Black Milks, and they are Six feet. So they can vary in size depending on what type you pick.
One milksnake species that I really loved was the Honduran Milksnake. Even though they seem to be everywhere! They are everywhere because they are an awesome snake.
Some breeders that you might want to check out who have great looking milks are:
Shannon Brown West Coast Hondurans or http://www.kingsnake.com/highsierra/htm/aboutus.htm.
Or
Terry Dunham Albino Tri Colors

However many of the people who post on these forums have spectacular milks as well.
I think you are making the right choice with a milk. Even though they can be snippy as babies, they are usually the sweetest snakes.

Good Luck:

JasonMc

Thanks for the info. I've done some more research, and I think a milksnake is for me. The thing is, I'm still not sure on the species. By the sound of it, I think I will be happy with any milksnake, but like you said, it seems to depend on what size snake I want to keep. Could you help me narrow it down? My main problem is that I have limited space. Could you tell me what species can live comfortably in an enclosure 30 gallons or smaller? I'm hoping that will narrow it down to fewer kinds to choose from. Thanks for your help! -The Gecko Freak
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1.0 Hypo Tang Leopard Gecko
0.1 Normal Leopard Gecko
0.1 SHTCT Baldy Leopard Gecko
0.1 SHCT Leopard Gecko
0.0.3 Hypo Leopard Geckos
1.0 African Fat Tailed Gecko
1.1 Crested Geckos
0.1 California Kingsnake
1.1 Cornsnakes
1.0 Ball Python

Bob Applegate has his book on milksnakes available on his website (Applegate is listed in the storefront section of kingsnake.com).

I think Nelson's make the best pet "starter" milk. They seem to be the tamest. I've never kept Sinaloan's, but I'd imagine they're the same. There's been other posts in this forum on this topic, so you may want to do a search in the archives to see what others recommend (everyone has their favorites).

You can't beat Hondurans when it comes to color and pattern phases in milks, though they get up to six feet.

Tim

Third Eye

Hi again. Thanks a lot for the link to Bob Applegate's site, it was really informative! I also checked the forum archives, and found out some different stuff. I was seriously looking into Pueblans, but I then learned that they musk reguarly and are often jittery. I'm now looking into Nelson's and Sinaloans. I really enjoyed handling a Sinaloan juvenile at a show I went to a few months ago, and Nelsons sound appealing too. Could you tell me the normal adult sizes for these two milks? Could you also tell me of a caresheet(s) pertaining to one or both of these species? Thanks for the info! -The Gecko Freak
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1.0 Hypo Tang Leopard Gecko
0.1 Normal Leopard Gecko
0.1 SHTCT Baldy Leopard Gecko
0.1 SHCT Leopard Gecko
0.0.3 Hypo Leopard Geckos
1.0 African Fat Tailed Gecko
1.1 Crested Geckos
0.1 California Kingsnake
1.1 Cornsnakes
1.0 Ball Python

Here is a website that lists most kings and milks and their sizes and some pics. Derek

http://www.pitt.edu/~mcs2/herp/Lampropeltis.html

That link to the size chart was really helpful. Thanks a bunch! I have a tank measuring 30"X13"X12". Would this be adequate to house a full grown, average sized Nelson's or Sinaloan? I can can always upgrade the tank if the snake ends up outgrowing it. I have plenty of spare ten gallons, so I will have one to house the milk when it is younger. Many thanks for the many replies! -The Gecko Freak
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1.0 Hypo Tang Leopard Gecko
0.1 Normal Leopard Gecko
0.1 SHTCT Baldy Leopard Gecko
0.1 SHCT Leopard Gecko
0.0.3 Hypo Leopard Geckos
1.0 African Fat Tailed Gecko
1.1 Crested Geckos
0.1 California Kingsnake
1.1 Cornsnakes
1.0 Ball Python

Yep, that size of an enclosure would house an adult Nelson's or Sinaloan.

Tim

Third Eye

Thanks to everyone who has answered all of my questions! I've never had a better response to a post in any other other forum. I'm going to an I.R.B.A show near San Diego, October 7-8, this is when I'm going to get my snake. It's down to Mexican, Sinaloan, and Nelson's. I think the final decision on species will made at the show, where I can hopefully see them up close and ask breeders questions about individual animals. Once again thanks a bunch! As soon as I get him/her I'll post pictures! -The Gecko Freak
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1.0 Hypo Tang Leopard Gecko
0.1 Normal Leopard Gecko
0.1 SHTCT Baldy Leopard Gecko
0.1 SHCT Leopard Gecko
0.0.3 Hypo Leopard Geckos
1.0 African Fat Tailed Gecko
1.1 Crested Geckos
0.1 California Kingsnake
1.1 Cornsnakes
1.0 Ball Python

enough space for more than one cage. These snakes are extremely addictive! You will soon start thinking about which milk you want next, or which morph/color you want next. Be forewarned and start looking for the snakes anonymous meetings in your area now.
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phflame
kingsnake.com host

Most kingsnakes and milksnakes are relativley easy enough to keep as long as you meet THE SNAKES basic needs.All smmal snakes are quite "LIVLEY" and if given enough time settle down, some no matter what, simply dont.Also they are secretive and are not seen often unless hungry or thristy or shedding.I have tangerine albino hondurans and only one out of the 3 will allow me to pick her up for a few mins at most so dont expect a "lap dog".Milk and kings are kinda like flowers. Nice to look at but dont like handleing too much.Also california kings like to poop in your hands when you pick them up while my hondos have only done that 1 or 2 times. Also , i hope u have a steady food source cause food can be a problem.Good luck my friend...Greg