Things You'll Need:
- Either a glass or plastic container two thirds of the snakes body length.
- Air temperature at 78-82 degrees during the day and 65-70 at night.
- Pine or aspen shavings.
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Step 1
The Pueblan Milk snake, just like other species of milk snakes, are secretive animals. They love to squeeze into small spaces. This is why whichever container you choose it will need to be completely unpenatratable. Even the smallest crevice will allow one of these guys to escape. As aforementioned the container should be at least two thirds of the snakes length. Your container should also contain multiple hiding places. Using stones about the size of a fist, stacked to simulate a mountain would be one hiding spot. Just make sure the stones are smooth as to not injure the snake.
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Step 2
The milk snake is a sub-tropical species. Using a thermometer in or near the enclosure, ensure that the ambient air during the day is between 78 to 82 degrees. At night it is okay to let it drop to 65 to 70 degrees to simulate outdoor air after the sun has gone down. If you cannot achieve the desired temperature unaided do not use a heating lamp. Direct light is not preferable to the milk snake. Instead use a heating pad set to 84-88 degrees. Place it under the container and monitor the temperature to ensure that the snake isn't being under or over heated.
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Step 3
It is recommended that you use a mixture of pine and aspen shavings for your smaller and medium sized snakes. For the larger guys you can use cypress mulch. If you do not have these things readily available it is acceptable to use newspaper or paper towel. NEVER EVER use cedar shavings because this can interfere with the Milk Snakes mucus membranes.
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Step 4
As a food source your best bet is to feed your snake pre killed mice. Make sure that they are domestic and not wild as to not introduce harmful bacteria or disease. A great rule of thumb is that the snakes dinner shouldn't be any larger than one and a half times the diameter of the snake at it's largest point. Always keep a sturdy water bowl in place and make sure that it is cleaned at least once a week with anti-bacterial soap. Once a month the entire cage should be cleaned with anti-bacterial soap. You should spot clean feces daily if you are using mulch, or change the soiled paper if you choose to do that.
Comments
mamade7 said
on 1/24/2009 Very interesting!!5*! plus a recommendation!
Gourmet2Go said
on 8/11/2008 pine is fine, cedar is not, as stated in the review.
deathgirl531 said
on 8/11/2008 im no expert but pine and sedar will kill a milk snake don't use pine or sedar EVER!!!!!