Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Would a black milk be a good first snake for me?

I'm only 10

I want something i can handle

I don't want a picky eater

I want something that needs a 30 gallon tank or less

I've kept Tree Frogs,Anoles,Crabs,saltwater tanks,cats,and dogs.
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Thank You,
Brad S.

I think it is a very good choice. They are one of the easiest snakes to keep for a few reasons. They do not need a heated cage, they do fine at average room temperature. They are not as squirmy as other milks and also do not bite much if ever. A 30 gallon cage will keep that snake happy for a few years but it may be better off in a larger cage as a full grown adult. They are not picky feeders, most eat like pigs. As long as you keep the cage very clean, make sure it has fresh water more than once a week, and keep it secure[having an escaped snake in the house means a lot of grief] it should be something you can care for quite easily. Though it is a low maintenance pet, do the right thing, give it the basic care it needs to thrive. Do realize they get quite big often reaching 6 foot in length. Also, make sure to buy a book or two about Kings and Milks and read up on them before you go ahead and get one, you will be glad you did, hope this helps Tom Stevens

I Agree with Tom. Of the snakes I keep my Black milks are my favorites. I was just checking my cages earlier this evening and I had my biggest male out and he just wanted to hang out in the hood of my sweat shirt. I told my wife I was surprised that after all the snakes I've kept this one has turned into a "pet".As a ten year old I would just caution you a little bit about letting a bigger snake, if you get one, form a complete loop around your neck, snakes sometimes get nervous and feel like they are going to fall and get a bit tight. Not too much of a concern with a parent around to help and as you get bigger. Have fun, BobS.

n/m

Brad,

I am afraid I don't agree with the others on this one. I have 2.1 Black Milks, and I love them. But I don't know that they are the best starter snake for you, Brad.

First off, although adults are dog tame, babies are typically squirmy little milksnakes.

Secondly, a 30 gallon tank is not a good size for a snake as large as a black milk. They need a tank more in the 55 gallon size (although keeping snakes in glass tanks is hard. It is difficult to keep clean).

I think a better choice would be a Mexican Black Kingsnake. A very similar looking species that doesn't get as large (around 4 feet), can be kept in a 30 gallon (long) tank, and they are docile easy to handle snakes. They are also about 1/3 the price of a Black Milksnake.

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Chris Harrison

Yeah I was going to ask about the black mexican kings to.So they are really tame?Because my parents arnt snake crazy but that think black kings and milks are beautiful.Thank you evryone for your help.
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Thank You,
Brad S.

Everyone***
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Thank You,
Brad S.

Brad,

The nice thing about the Mexican Black kings is that they are already that beautiful black color and very inexpensive to buy and to feed. I keep and like them too. I have baby Black milks from several differnt breeders. Some are as Chris said, kind of squirmy and others are just as mellow as babies. Maybe it has to do with genetics or something. Have fun and enjoy
BobS.

black milks do get rather large, much bigger than you'd be able to keep in a 30 gal aquarium.

I'd also suggest a Mexican Mtn. kingsnake. They average about 3 feet in length as adults, are very docile, and are good eaters.

Mexcian Mtn. king picture

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Paul Weaver
Carolina Herps