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Black Milksnake questions!

A

amandanicole

New member
I've noticed that several of you keep these beautiful snakes and was wondering if I could get a couple of questions answered!

1. As far as cage sizing - the general opinion is at LEAST 6 square feet for an adult (correct me if I'm wrong), but for a young hatchling, would a 10g or 20g be sufficient(Petco is having their $1 per gallon sale, woooo!)? if so, how long would either of those sizes last? I'll be buying his/her adult enclosure around January, so I would like something that would last at least the first 6 months, a year would be better :) Also, any recommendations on screen lids?

2. Any breeder recommendations? I'm having a hard time locating somebody who has or will have hatchlings anytime in the near future...

3. For fun, any good books on black milks, or milks in general? I feel that for the most part I know enough to start out with, but I'm of the opinion that one can never stop learning :)

thanks all!!
 
I've been keeping my black milksnakes in rubbermaid type containers, and upgrading as they get bigger.

I was going to breed mine this year, but decided to put it off for another year. I don't know anyone who is breeding them this year offhand, but I occasionally see them pop up on faunaclassifieds.com

I don't know any milksnake books, sorry. I'm sure there are some out there though (probably not black milksnake specific though, if any mention of black milks at all). Black milksnakes have been the easiest snake I've ever kept (easier than corns). Just keep them between 70-80 degrees and you're good to go.
 
I'd try Lee Abbott in Florida or there's a guy named Shannon something...out in California, I think. Shannon Brown. I'll think of the name of his business and post it, or TyFlier knows. He (Chris) would also be an excellent resource on milksnake info.
 
Lee has a hatchling male, and a yearling female, if I don't find any others in the next month or so (and he still has them available) I may do that... Shannon Brown had all bad eggs this year :(

I went ahead and got a 20g long, I figure it will last for the first year or so before I upgrade to a nice big furniture type viv. Just got to make sure I have enough hides in there for the little one...

Any suggestions on a naturalistic viv for these guys? I'm hesitant to use live plants, but other than that, I want it as close to the black milk's natural habitat as possible...
 
Nanci is correct that there aren't really any Black Milk specific books. You can pick up this book, which I believe covers Black Milks a little bit.

If you're looking for Black Milks, you're best off waiting until late September or early October, as that's the usual time of the year they're hatching in abundance.

I do want to warn you and tell you that the 20 long may be too big for a hatchling. When I got mine, he refused to eat until I put him in a small (6 quart) sterilite. After that, he was ravenous. Yours may be different, but it's a good idea to have a backup in case you have any issues.

As for a naturalistic viv, just make sure you put plenty of vines in there, and they'll be content. They're pretty curious snakes (in my experience), but you'll obviously want plenty of hides in there for them. I would also suggest using a big water bowl for them, as they're from more humid climates. You don't need to mist them or anything, but make sure that they're sufficiently hydrated.
 
Yeah, I have been in touch with several breeders that are expecting babies in the next couple of months, it's not a big deal at all if I have to wait a while :) (and I figured there wouldn't be any specific books... they really don't seem to be all that popular for some reason o_O)

As far as a smaller tank goes, if it does become a problem, I can easily pop over to walmart and get a 5 gallon or 10 gallon until he or she is a bit bigger, thanks for the warning, that is good to know.

I have quite a few silk plants and some (I think) exo terra vines I may put in... I also have a smallish waterfall from a day gecko set up I had a while back, do you think that would be too much humidity for these guys? (more just for decoration, I think they look nice :D I will have a dish in there for drinking)
 
The new Applegate book, Kingsnakes and Milksnakes, is pretty good. If you go to his site and buy it he'll autograph it for you! at least he used to :) It's a very pretty book.

Oh and do you have The Art of Keeping Snakes? Very good reading about bioactive/natural vivs.
 
I've emailed the guy from the first ad... It seems that females are in higher demand, at least atm, so it would be quite understandable for him to not want to split them.

I went ahead and ordered the Applegate book :) and yes I do have "The Art of Keeping Snakes" it's a very good book!
 
Very cool! I hope something works out for you! I had 4 black milks up until a few months ago (I sold them to get an indigo) and they are simply awesome awesome snakes to have!
 
I have Markus' female, Ebony, and she is, without a doubt, the coolest snake in the world! Someday I'll hopefully get her a boyfriend, as they really are the most fantastic pets. I think everyone should have at least one :).
 
It really seems as though they're one of the most under appreciated snakes! I don't understand why though... I mean from what I've gathered they're incredibly easy in their care requirements, much more calm/docile than the other milks and drop dead gorgeous! I'll definitely post some photos when I do get one :D
 
amandanicole said:
It really seems as though they're one of the most under appreciated snakes! I don't understand why though... I mean from what I've gathered they're incredibly easy in their care requirements, much more calm/docile than the other milks and drop dead gorgeous! I'll definitely post some photos when I do get one :D
Click to expand...


It is completely as you say :licklips:
 
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