Eastern milk snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum) are some of the most captivating, exotic-looking snakes in the world. Native to North America, they are often mistaken for venomous snakes due to their striking coloration, but these non-venomous reptiles are harmless and make great pets.
The eastern milk snake is a small- to mid-sized constrictor, averaging 24 to 36 in. (61 to 90 cm) at maturity. They have alternating bands of white-black-red, giving them a striking appearance. They feed on small rodents, birds, and lizards and spend their time hiding in hollow logs or under rocks.
Because of their attractiveness and hardiness, eastern milk snakes make great pets for reptile enthusiasts. They’re relatively easy to care for and make excellent display animals, as they are active and entertaining to watch. Read on for a comprehensive guide on eastern milk snakes, including care, temperament, size, and feeding habits.
Eastern Milk Snake: Care Sheet, Temperament, Size, Feeding Habits, and More
Rearing an eastern milk snake in captivity is a rewarding, enjoyable experience. However, to ensure your snake’s health and safety, it’s crucial to understand the basics of caring for them and their characteristics, including their temperament, size, and feeding habits.
Care Sheet
Eastern milk snakes are easy to care for and don’t require any special equipment or setup. In their natural environment, they prefer humid areas like swamps, forests, and grassy meadows with plenty of hiding spots.
In captivity, they can thrive in the following conditions within their enclosure:
- An average-sized eastern milk snake needs a 20-gallon (76-L) terrarium with a secure lid.
- Line the terrarium with a substrate such as aspen shavings, leaves, or paper towels.
- Include some hiding places for your milk snake, such as a hollow log, rocks, or half-logs.
- Keep the enclosure at temperatures between 70 and 80 °F (21 and 27 °C) during the day and between 65 and 75 °F (18 and 24 °C) at night.
- The humidity should be kept between 40 and 70% depending on the season, and you may need to provide additional heat sources.
Temperament and Behavior
Eastern milk snakes are docile, nonvenomous constrictors with a generally calm disposition. They don’t bite and are easily handled, making them ideal pets for novice and experienced keepers alike.
In the wild, when threatened, milk snakes will first flee. But when cornered, they will vibrate their tails to imitate rattlesnakes and strike out in an attempt to scare away the predator.
Because they’re active hunters, eastern milk snakes need a lot of space to explore and should be provided with climbing branches and other decorations to keep them entertained.
They can also swim, so provide a large bowl of water in the terrarium for them to soak and keep cool. As nocturnal animals, they’re most active at night and can be seen during the day basking in the sun.
Size
The average length of full-grown eastern milk snakes is 24–36 inches (61–90 cm). They are small to medium-sized snakes and can reach up to 72 inches (183 cm) in rare cases.
Depending on the species, they weigh between 38 to 225 g (1.3 to 7.9 oz) but can become heavier, reaching up to 1400 g (49 oz) in captivity.
They’re slender and have smooth, shiny scales, with alternating bands of white-black-red or red-black-yellow along their body. Their heads are narrow, with a pointed snout and a Y or V-shaped patch behind their head. Typically, the males are larger than the females.
Feeding Habits
Eastern milk snakes are carnivorous and primarily feed on small rodents, birds, lizards, earthworms, frogs, and crickets.
In captivity, they should be fed appropriate-sized pre-killed prey. If you’re concerned about your pet’s safety, consider getting frozen or thawed mice from a pet store. They can also be offered other food items like mealworms and waxworms as treats.
Feed your adult snake once every 5-7 days and hatchlings or juveniles every 3-5 days. Monitor the size of the prey closely to ensure your snake doesn’t become overweight.
When handling prey, use tongs to avoid getting bitten, and never feed live animals that may harm your snake.
Reproduction
Eastern milk snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. During the breeding season, which typically occurs in the late spring months, the female will lay clutches of about 10 eggs in a humid, sheltered location.
The eggs will hatch after about 7 to 8 weeks (2 months), and the young snakes measure around 8–10 inches (20–25 cm), weighing about 4.1 grams (0.14 oz). They’re basically miniature versions of the adults and can start feeding immediately.
With proper care and maintenance, eastern milk snakes can live for up to 20 years in captivity. They reach maturity when they’re about 2-3 years old and can start breeding.
