Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've heard conflicting advice as to whether a temperature gradient should be provided for Black Milksnakes; some say to give them a warmer spot, some say that this particular species does not need or like heat at all.

I know someone who has raised a Black Milksnake to adulthood without any additional heat at all; he says he's tried giving the snake heat in one spot, but that the snake avoids it like the plague.

-- Any observations from other Black Milksnake owners? I have one coming to me next week.

Thanks!

Hello,
I've had my pair of black milks in unheated tanks since they were a couple weeks out of the egg, and they're going on 2 years old. So far so good. I live in Maine, so my idea of "room temperature" is a bit on the low side, especially this time of year. They seem to do fine for extended periods down into the 60s. I wouldn't worry about heating your new black milks.

Nate

I keep my Black Milks at ambient room temperature. It runs 73/ 74 centigrade in the enclosures.

My Black Milks run from UTH to the opposite corner of the enclosure. I took the heat way from them a couple of years ago.

Nate from Maine runs his cooler than I do with no ill effects. I know he has had his Black Milks for a couple of years now with great success.

The babies are jumpy but with patients and time you will get a large black, very easy to handle, and enjoyable snake. I suggest buying a mate for the one you have coming in. You will kick yourself later if you don’t.

These snakes like to hide. Give your new one lots of hiding places. If the enclosure has lighting in it use low wattage bulbs. I use 15-watt bulbs on a rheostat set to the lowest end. Dann…..

>>I keep my Black Milks at ambient room temperature. It runs 73/ 74 centigrade in the enclosures.
>>
>>My Black Milks run from UTH to the opposite corner of the enclosure. I took the heat way from them a couple of years ago.
>>
>>Nate from Maine runs his cooler than I do with no ill effects. I know he has had his Black Milks for a couple of years now with great success.
>>
>>The babies are jumpy but with patients and time you will get a large black, very easy to handle, and enjoyable snake. I suggest buying a mate for the one you have coming in. You will kick yourself later if you don’t.
>>
>>These snakes like to hide. Give your new one lots of hiding places. If the enclosure has lighting in it use low wattage bulbs. I use 15-watt bulbs on a rheostat set to the lowest end. Dann…..
-----
Chris Harrison

Chris,

Talk about hot! I have been working with a CO2 incubator and got my Centigrade and Fahrenheit’s crossed.

Probably a touch of old age settling in also.

I would image Black Milks would taste good with Barbecue sauce.

Dann…..

I saw a black milk at a reptile expo last year. Are they expensive? How long do they get? Will a standard 20 long tank be big enough? I have a tangerine honduran hatched 7-03.
Thanks for info.

Large snake up to 6 foot .

A 20-gallon will support a neonate. You will need to upgrade.

Cost: Black milks cost more because they’re not as common yet. I have seen them go for $125.00 to $150.00 for male neonates. Add a little more for the females.

Yearlings and adults, pairs and trio’s $250.00 and $300.00 . Shop around for the best deal.

Dann…

Dann,

I got a female now, about the same age as the male, although considerably more black at this point. It'll be years before they'll breed, but I've definitely got that in mind for later.

They're both enjoyable, and as it turns out, both of the San Antonio Zoo lineage. They are great snakes, and I'm glad I've got them!
-----
David Leary,
Durham, NC

Thanks, all, for your advice. I have considered getting a mate for the male I have coming in, and probably will eventually get a female for him.