Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. I am a lizard owner who is hoping to move into snakes as well. I would really love to purhcase a Sinaloan or Pueblan Milksnake in the coming months, but I have a few questions that have yet to be answered from my research.

1. Are C.B milksnakes generally tame, social creatures? I.e. I want a snake I can visit with a few times a week, I have a bearded dragon so I will be distracted enough that I am not looking for a snake I can hold or pick up everyday all day or anything, just want to bring him/her out and visit sometimes.

2. I know milk snakes are hardy creatures, but are they pretty good for beginner snakes? I was originally thinking of a Columbian boa. But I really like the milk snake look and size for a first snake.

3. Does anyone know of any reputable breeders in the north east U.S.? I would much prefer to get mine from a breeder than a pet store, but I don't want to stress the snake by having it shipped across country.

4. Can people post information about what habitats they use? I have a 30g breeder; like a 40 breeder but a little shorter on the sides. but I don't want to use that if it is too small. However, whatever I get will be the snakes enclosure from hatchling to adult, I already have too many other tanks lying around.... haha.

Molly

0.1.0 Bearded Dragon- Stella
1.0.0 rescued Leopard gecko - Aubrey
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1.0.0 Bearded Dragons, Samson
1.0.0 Leopard Gecko, Aubrey Guildenstern (a high yellow)

>>1. Are C.B milksnakes generally tame, social creatures? >>
Milksnakes tend to be flighty, with the babies being the worst squiggly things ever. Many adults calm down much better, but are usually never laid back like a Colombian boa is. In general, Sinaloans calm down fairly well; Pueblans stay a bit flighty but still do extremely well in captivity. The larger, more montane milks like black milks and Andean milks get very tame. Bottom line: milks aren't real social animals, but they can tolerate handling. This is true of many snakes.

>>2. I know milk snakes are hardy creatures, but are they pretty good for beginner snakes? I was originally thinking of a Columbian boa. But I really like the milk snake look and size for a first snake.
Milksnakes do very well. There are a few things to know. First, don't house a baby milk in a huge cage. It is much better to start with a small cage. If the snake is already good-sized, then the cage can be as you like. Second, baby milks (and adults too) need some humidity during shed times. One good way to provide this is to use a plastic box in the cage filled with damp sphagnum moss. The snake will hide in there alot. Let the moss dry out between mistings, and keep it on the warm end of the cage.

Boas are nice, but require large cages and year-round ample heating. Milksnakes can be cooled during Winter.

>>3. Does anyone know of any reputable breeders in the north east U.S.? I would much prefer to get mine from a breeder than a pet store, but I don't want to stress the snake by having it shipped across country.
Milks ship well because they can tolerate a wider temp range than say a tropical boa. Look on this site under Classifieds. There are many folks selling milksnakes, and I'm sure most are good sources.

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Mark G
Collection:
Assorted CA rosies
A few Ariz mtn kings

A close friend of mine has a Sinaloan. He's had it for about 18 months and it is still very wiggly and not as calm as my king, corn, or bullsnake. They are all absolute joys to handle. If you're looking for a snake to handle and pass around with friends at parties, etc - I'd reccomend a king over a milk.

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Matt from Minnesota
Cornsnake, Eastern Kingsnake, IL Bullsnake - all girls.
One Pair of cute Crested Geckos.

Just wanted to add my two cents worth as the info. given by the other posters was in my opinion right on the mark. If you are set on a milk though the choice of a sinaloan is probally the best. They by far make the best of the animals as pets in the smaller milk group. The andean and black milk are like having big laid back corns. And are one of my favorites, when it comes to milks, but the colors of some of the others is usually what attracts folks. As a beginner snake though you can't beat any of a number of the getulus group( Mexican black, Cal. king or Chain king ) or one of the myrid of corn snake morphs. They tolerate handling and are very easy to keep.

Good Luck and let us know what you decide.

John Cherry
Cherryville Farms

Cherryville Farms - Reptiles

Ok I think I am going to go for a Mountain or Cali king instead of a milk. Thanks so much for all of your advice, it was definately appreciated!
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1.0.0 Bearded Dragons, Samson
1.0.0 Leopard Gecko, Aubrey Guildenstern (a high yellow)