Having snakes as pets sounds so cool, doesn’t it? On top of that, if it is a beautiful one like a milk snake, then you become the coolest guy in the town. However, it is important to consider their nature and behavior before taking them as pets.
Do milk snakes make good pets? Yes, these reptiles can make very good pets for you. They are beautiful, exotic, gentle, less demanding, and easy to look after. Their vibrant colors and patterns make them very attractive to reptile lovers. Their ideal habitat includes hiding spots, substrate, and controlled temperature.
Let me explain why these exotic snakes are ideal for you if you are a beginner pet owner. It is going to be a fun read!
Milk Snakes: An Overview
| Information | Details |
| Scientific Name | Lampropeltis triangulum |
| Maximum Length | 24 to 36 inches (61 to 91 cm) |
| Venomous | Non-venomous |
| Poisonous | Non-poisonous |
| Lifespan | 15 to 20 years in captivity |
| Eating Habit | Carnivorous |
| Nature | Generally docile and non-aggressive |
How Do Milk Snakes Make Good Pets?
Milk snakes meet the good qualities of a good pet. Here are some of the major features that make them one of the top 10 most popular pet snakes.
1. Appearance and Color Varieties
Milk snakes are popular for their vibrant and striking appearance. You will surely find them adorable though they are reptiles. The V or Y-shaped patch on their body makes them more attractive. The patch can be bold red, black, and yellow colors.
Whether you like reptiles or not, you are definitely going to love their appearance. They are one of the most adorable snake species. Having them as pets will also enhance the appearance of your household as well.
2. Gentle temperament and Handling
Milk snakes are docile, gentle, and non-aggressive. They do not have the habit of attacking us. These snakes try to escape any fight as long as possible. They only get aggressive when they feel endangered.
These snakes are not going to try to cause any harm to you. They become accustomed to human interaction with proper care and gentle handling. Watch this video about handling them:
3. Not Too Big, Not Too Short
Milk snakes can be 24 to 36 inches in length. The exact size can vary depending on their subspecies and age. This is a quite manageable size and suitable for individuals to handle and keep in limited space.
Their lean body shape makes them easy to approach. Surely, most people would get frightened if they were bigger and thicker. Because of their moderate size, you can keep them in a relatively smaller space. It saves space and money for you, too.
4. Adaptation to Captive Life
Milk snakes exhibit a great adaptability to captivity. They can adjust to new settings if you offer them timely food and a proper environment. You need to ensure they have hiding spots, substrates, and temperature gradients. You will not feel morally down as the animal can adjust to its captivity.
5. Non-Venomous Nature
A major reason why people keep them as pets is that milk snakes are non-venomous. Do you find it hard to believe? It is okay. Most people think milk snakes are venomous because of their vibrant colors. However, they are one such exception. They have vibrant colors, though they are not venomous.
It makes them a good option if you did not have a snake before. Beginner pet owners often make mistakes when handling. This often leads to unpleasant accidents and incidents. As the snakes are not venomous, you can handle them with less fear.
6. Comparatively Easy Diet
Milk snakes are carnivorous. They like to eat mice at small rates. They can kill their prey and feast on them. These snakes are also willing to accept pre-killed or frozen-thawed prey. Milk snakes do not mind being offered pre-killed snakes. However, milk snakes do not drink milk. It makes it easier for you to feed them. You can purchase food for them from pet stores.
Is it legal to have milk snakes as pets?
Yes, it is legal to own milk snakes as pets. However, the condition can vary depending on your location. Also, it is completely forbidden and illegal to catch them from the wild and keep them. You need to purchase them from a certified seller.
The laws of the United States let people keep these snakes because they are not venomous. Beides, they are gentle and docile. They try to avoid a fight as much as possible. Because of these positive reasons, the government lets people have these amphibious,
FAQ
Check these questions to get more ideas and information about turtles’ nature as pets. It may help you make your decision as well.
Is a milk snake a good beginner pet?
Yes, milk snakes are a good beginner pet. They are not very demanding, and you can take care of them quite easily. Feeding them mice, rats, and other rodents is enough for their nutrition. You will not face much difficulty as a beginner.
Do milk snakes need water?
Yes, milk snakes, like all reptiles, need access to fresh water. Put a shallow water dish in their enclosure to drink. Regularly check and replenish the water to ensure cleanliness. Adequate hydration is crucial for the overall health and well-being of milk snakes in captivity.
Do milk snakes escape?
Yes, milk snakes escape. In fact, they are often called escape artists. Their curiosity and agility help them to escape or at least make attempts. You must ensure their enclosure has tightly fitted lids. They can take advantage of any unawareness.
Do milk snakes drink milk?
No, milk snakes do not drink milk. Despite their name, they do not consume dairy products. Milk snakes are carnivorous reptiles and feed on small vertebrates. Give them water for hydration. You must not give them milk as they lack the necessary enzymes to digest lactose, the sugar present in milk.
Conclusion
Milk snakes are one of the gentlest and most decent snakes. They are venomous and do not mind little handling. Their size is perfect to keep in household enclosures. All these features make them good pets.
Though the ideal definition of a good pet varies, one has to admire milk snakes. They have a striking appearance and are also very safe. You can have them as pets if you like reptiles.