Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Which of the two have a better temperament and which would make a better overall pet. I plan on buying a pair for breeding, but I would also like to handle them. I have a young son and I would like to get something that he can hold while being supervised. Most of the caresheets give general info when it comes to temperament. As a matter of fact I was reading caresheets on one site and they described the temperament of almost every king and milk the same way and I know that not to be true.

In addition to these two I would be open to recommendations for other types. I currently own GTP's, Bredli, Dums and have a pair of Gray bands on the way. With the exception of a "satanic" California King that I once owned I am new to Kings and Milks.

thanks
jeff

Well I own both types and they're really all around easy to care for, handle and the Kings were easy to produce from. I have not produced Black Milks yet, I will try for the first time in 06. The Milks are well known for being docile, and they truly are easy going snakes. My Kings are also quite easy going. The male seems more laid back but my female produces a lot of eggs a year so maybe she is more so always in "looking for food" mode. It's my guess at least 7 out of 10 people who have had both will say the Milks are a little calmer, but for a kid....they do get quite long, easily hitting 6 foot. The Kings are a little smaller. Both are great snakes, I am sure either would be a good choice. Tom Stevens

I kind of disagree with Tom. I think that Mexican Black King is a much better choice with a child. Mex Black Kings are very docile snakes and very easy to keep.
Black Milks are also docile, but they are a little more high strung (they don't bite, they just wiggle more).

I think a child will be more comfortable with a Mexican Black King. Furthermore, they are cheaper to buy, house and feed since they stay smaller. I have kept Mexican Black kings that ate mice their whole lives. My black milks are taking medium rats at every meal. Big price difference.
-----
Chris Harrison

mexican black would be my choice. I have 3 kids with the 4 th on the way. my 9 and 10 yr old can handle them easy , except right now cause there breeding. Mine eat good never regurge and when there out they are not spastic or jumpy just kicking it slowy moveing up and down your arm. I have never owned a black milk so i can't give an opinion on them but since an above post said there harder to breed and you want to breed i would go with the mexican black. GL HF Paul

np

I had heard that Milks in general are quite squeamish & timid, and that Kings are much better pets - with better dispositions. Your experience seems to have differed.

In eastern MT where I graduated High School, there is a species of Milk (Pale Milk) that is a light orange. Never saw nor heard of one when I lived in the area, I regret that now.

I would still tend to recommend a King over a Milk, unless you striclty want a display animal seldom handled.

discussing. For example Honduran Milk babies are no fun. Beautiful but a royal pain to handle. Black Milks are WAY different than the average Milk. I am surpised no one else commented that they are hands down the mellowest Milk you can buy. I have not been bit by either of my Black Milks but bit by both my Black Kings. Both types of snakes are great pets and are not mean or known to have the never ending hunger that prompts a brutal feeding response every single time you reach for them. Not 5 minutes ago my female King went after me when I opened the cage. I know she is hungry, she has been breeding heavily and probably is already on the way to being gravid. I think both are great pets. Only things that differ to me is clutch size and the size of the food they're capable of eating. And of course the fact the baby Milks are tri colors. I have hatched out oodles of baby MBKs and many bite when they're babies. Neither of my Milks did, but that's comparing two snakes too 70 others LOL. Tom Stevens

While I haven't raised any MBKs, I have raised a few black milks. They are one of the calmest snakes that you can get. They rarely bite, are great eaters, and can be kept at room temp. You really can't go wrong with them. The only possible negative with them is that they reach about 6' in length, which can be a problem for some folks in terms of caging.
Paul
Carolina Herps

I just visited your site. I knew you had the killer Hondos but that Coastal Plains Milk pic is incredible. Good luck this season Tom Stevens

I also agree with Tom and Paul, although am biased as I don't have black milks, but my MBK pair are truely mild mannered, never bite or musk and are very inquisitive. I love 'em!
Todd