? about black milk snake

[sirhissball]

Hello, I've been researching the black milk snake some recently and have run into contradicting information. Some sights say that the natural range of the black milk snake is southern Canada to Southern North America, while others say that they are native to the mountains of Panama and Costa Rica, not extending into North America. Which one is it? The care of a snake from the US would differ than one from Central America...does anyone know where I can find a really good milk snake care sheet?

[frankykeno]

Let me dig through my favorites list. I did do some research awhile back on black milksnakes as Mike would love to own a male black milksnake one day. He's fascinated by the incredible color change they go through as they mature. As best I can remember off the top of my head they are one of the largest of the milks and I seem to remember they are odd in that the males outsize the females, rather than the other way around.

Hopefully I kept all the links and research someone on this dang computer LOL.


~~Jo~~

[Kara]

Black Milks are from Costa Rica & Panama. They are very large, hardy, docile, and a pleasure to keep. Scientific name is Lampropeltis triangulum gaigeae, which will help you find more specific info on them.

I've kept them for several years, if I can be of any assistance with husbandry info just let me know. They're very, very easy snakes to keep.

K~

[denisthemenace]

Ditto ^

[IndyAmy]

Hubby and I are now considering a black milk snake. I really wish I could see an adult in person. I've seen pics (none with a human as reference, just of the snake), but actually holding one helps me determine if I think it will be too big for me to handle. Have you found, as franky mentioned, that females are smaller than males? How big have your males/females averaged?

Thanks in advance :-)

[goneeuro]

[slartibartfast]

Wow! Words fail me. Is that a normal adult, or an exceptionally large specimen?

[jjspirko]

Wow! Words fail me. Is that a normal adult, or an exceptionally large specimen?

In my experience that is a big milk but nothing out of the ordinary. Will all of them get that big? No, but many of them will. If you want a big one, ask about the size of the parents. In general large adults produce large offspring.

The girl in this pic is about 4' 8" so as you can see it is common for them to get pretty big,

[Mindibun]

Wow, I have to say, I've never thought anything nice about milk or king snakes, but those are amazing. I'd actually consider getting one. I was looking around to see what type of housing they'd need and most places recommended a glass tank. I would imagine you could keep them in a plastic tub but maybe, as babies, a tank might be better so they dont escape through ventilation holes? Any thoughts on this? Also, where would one go to get a black milk snake? I've never heard of anyone breeding them.