Milk Snake Care Sheet
Snake
1 - 6 feet long
15 - 20 years
Carnivore
Diet & Nutrition
Milk Snakes are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items.
Babies will start with new born pinky mice. A full-grown adult will eat weaned to small rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly.
When feeding live prey, be sure to monitor the feeding to prevent the prey from attacking the snake.
Feeding Schedule
Feed babies 1 - 2 times a week. At 2 - 3 months of age you can reduce to once weekly. Adults can eat weekly, although some keepers feed every other week.
The prey size should be no larger than the largest part of the snake's body in girth.
Housing & Habitat
Milk Snakes have a large distribution from South America into the United
States. In the wild they are found in forested areas. Keep the cage warm and dry and provide plenty of places for hiding. Milk Snakes should be kept alone. Milk
Snakes are known snake eaters. Housing them together could result in one snake being eaten by another. During breeding, Milk Snakes may be housed together.
Enclosure Size
Depending on sub species, adults must have a minimum cage size of 30"
Long x 12" Deep x 12" High, although many keepers prefer a larger cage. Babies can start in 10-gallon tanks.
Substrate
Shredded aspen is a perfect substrate. Milk Snakes love to burrow.
Shredded aspen provides a fluffy substrate easy for burrowing and cleaning.
Provide 3-6 inches of substrate.
Temperature & Lighting
Temperature
Milk Snakes require a basking spot of 85°- 90°F. The cool end of the tank can be as cool as 70°F.
Lighting
Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires
UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB.
Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs.
Humidity & Watering
Humidity
Humidity levels should be between 40% - 60%.
Watering
Provide fresh drinking water daily. Milk Snakes like to soak their body in water. Provide a bowl of water large enough so that the snake can fully submerge its body.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do Milk Snakes eat?
Milk Snakes are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items. Babies will start with new born pinky mice. A full-grown adult will eat weaned to small rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly. When feeding live prey, be sure to monitor the feeding to prevent the prey from attacking the snake.
What size enclosure does a Milk Snake need?
Milk Snakes have a large distribution from South America into the United States. In the wild they are found in forested areas. Keep the cage warm and dry and provide plenty of places for hiding. Milk Snakes should be kept alone. Milk Snakes are known snake eaters. Housing them together could result in one snake being eaten by another. During breeding, Milk Snakes may be housed together. Pay attention to the mating to ensure the snakes do not attempt to eat one another. Depending on sub specie...
What temperature and lighting does a Milk Snake need?
Milk Snakes require a basking spot of 85°- 90°F. The cool end of the tank can be as cool as 70°F. Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB. Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs. Humidity: Humidity levels should be between 40% - 60%.