Milk Snake a.k.a Lampropeltis sp. (Nelsons Milk Snake, Honduran Milk Snake, Pueblan Milk Snake, etc.)
Intro to Milk Snakes
Milk Snakes are a popular pet snake because they come in a variety of localities and morphs which feature color and pattern mutations. These Snakes are found throughout the majority of the Americas. Milk Snakes are manageable for keepers of all experience levels as they max out at 48-72 inches depending on sex.
Keeping Milk Snakes is fairly easy. You'll need a basking spot of 85-90°F, ambient temperature os 75-80°F, and 40-60% humidity. This can be easily achieved with an Under Tank Heater or Basking Lamp, a proper Water Bowl, and substrate (Aspen or Coco). Add a hide and decorate their enclosure as you please, decorations like foliage help with enrichment.
Breeders commonly keep their Milk Snakes in Rack Systems. Where they start off in "Pencil Bins" or 6 qt tubs, then graduating to 32 qt tubs. As pets, however, Milk snakes can do well in tanks or pvc enclosures. Baby Milk Snakes can start in a 10 gallon tank. Adults can live in a 40 gallon tank to a 4x2 enclosure.
Milk Snakes For Sale in the Pet Trade
Milk Snakes are bred readily in captivity as they are extremely prolific and can double clutch during their breeding season. You can find these common snakes at almost any reptile show or reptile shop for sale. To breed these, it helps for them to go through a brumation cycle of about 2-3 months at ~60°F. After brumation, it is important to get your animal back on food. Once these animals are re-established, you may begin pairing!
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