So, I am a married mom of 2 young boys and we are thinking of adding a snake to our family. Our animal family includes a border collie/lab mix dog, 2 RES (both in a 120 gallon tank), 40 hermit crabs (my hermies have a 125 gallon tank, they are a little spoiled), a community fish tank, goldfish, and aquatic frogs.



My three, almost four, year old is an animal lover, as are we. For the last 2 years (literally) he has been asking for a snake. Being loving and doting parents, we are inclined to indulge. Of course, we know enough to know that our young child is incapable of caring for a snake. But we are excited to learn all we can about the care requirements for milk and/or king snakes.



From the research I have done so far, it appears as though they need a temp gradient (85 on the high end, 70 on the low), humidity ranging from 40-60% (nice change from the 75-80% hermit crabs require) heat source primarily from radient light source, UTH as a secondary. But here are my questions:



What type of substrate do you recommend?



Would a 55 gallon tank be adequate for a small king or milk snake?



Do they need UVA/UVB lighting during their photoperiod light cycle?



Do they really eat the frozen food if it is reheated?



Which type of snake seems to be milder in temperament, milk snakes or king snakes?



I really appreciate any and all responses.



Thanks, again!



Andrea

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