Let’s say you’re a unique individual and want your pet choice to say the same. In that case, owning a tri-colored milk snake subspecies will make you stand out from the crowd. However, it will require some adapting and learning.
The Andean milk snakes are large milk snake subspecies, initially found in the regions of the Andes mountains. They can be 38-70 inches (97-178 cm) long and are known for their distinctive tri-colored appearance. They usually prefer lower temperatures because of their mountainous origin.
In this article, I will discuss more in-depth what it takes to own an Andean milk snake and what living conditions need to be met for your pet to be secure and happy. Keep on reading, as I’ll even give you tips and tricks for choosing the right pet cage.
All About the Andean Milk Snake
The Andean milk snake might be just for you if you’re considering getting an exotic pet.
Appearance
Non-venomous Lampropeltis triangulum andesiana, aka Andean milk snake, is one of the largest milk snake subspecies, which makes it undeniably a unique pet choice.
Because of its unique appearance, you won’t have trouble identifying it from other milk snake subspecies. Andean milk snake is tri-colored, covered in red rings separated by black and pale bands. There are around 30-36 rings on it, which come in its entire length.
Behavior
If you’re new to owning reptiles as pets and trying to welcome the idea of it, making an Andean milk snake your first pet choice is fantastic.
Andean milk snakes are used to lower temperatures, and one of their traits is staying in a hiding place where they can hide from potential danger and predators. Making a custom-made hiding place within their cage is bound to satisfy that urge.
Even though an Andean milk snake is not venomous, it can mimic the sounds of venomous snakes, such as rattlesnakes, to make the predators stay away. Its colorway is also used to fight off predators, as it resembles other venomous snakes.
If you’re entirely new to the snake world and might not be sure if you have what it takes to own one, adopt an older Andean milk snake, as younger ones are much harder to tame.
Mating and Reproduction
A female Andean milk snake hatches about 3 clutches each year. There can be up to 20 eggs per clutch, which usually take around two months to hatch.
Juvenile Andean milk snakes have a good appetite and can generally live up to 15 years in good living conditions.
It’s vital to allow the gut cleanse for your snake before the actual breeding process starts.
Andean milk snakes are used to lower temperatures, and for breeding purposes, it is essential to adapt the temperature to their preference. Maintain temperatures between 70 and 75 °F (21 and 24 °C) to encourage breeding.
Habitat and Diet
They can be found in regions of the Andes mountains, and they’re known to live in higher elevations, which makes them more adapted to lower temperatures.
It’s one of the best breeds to keep in captivity, as they’re not too demanding to take care of.
They’re carnivores, and naturally, their diet consists of other smaller rodents, birds, and even snakes, while younger ones usually eat insects. Pet Andean milk snakes thrive when fed once every one to two weeks.
However, your home might need some adaptation if you adopt the Andean milk snake, especially if you’re used to owning cats and dogs.
Enclosure
Finding the right cage for your Andean milk snake might be tricky. Many make the mistake of making the cage too big, as they feel the snake might be more comfortable in a roomy space.
However, Andean milk snakes might become too overwhelmed by the spaciousness of their cage and may feel the need to hide.
A good rule of thumb is to prepare a 30-gallon (113.5 L) tank for an average-sized Andean milk snake up to 4 feet (1.2 m) long. Larger snakes up to 6 feet (1.8 m) long will need a 40-gallon (151 L) tank.
To make your pet feel extra safe, ensure they have a place to hide. If the cage doesn’t come with an already built-in hiding space, make sure to improvise one.
Some essential accessories in the tank include:
- A water bowl
- A log for basking
- A tunnel for hiding or hibernation
You also want to have a breathable lid on the top of your snake’s cage and make sure that the chosen material of the cage retains heat well.
Ensure that the enclosure has warm and cool spots because the Andean milk snake is accustomed to lower temperatures but may occasionally need to bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature.
Final Thoughts
While owning a pet snake may seem a bit overwhelming, it can be rewarding, too, as a little care and instructions on how to do it properly go a long way.
Andean milk snakes aren’t too fussy. With the proper cage choice and the right diet, your snake can live comfortably. All that’s left to do is enjoy your new pet’s company, admire its breathtaking appearance, and handle it with love and care.
