For years, milk snakes have been a common pet amongst serpent owners. Despite resembling various deadly snakes, a Guatemalan milk snake is quite safe and can be a viable option as a long-term pet.
The Guatemalan milk snake is a species of milk snake predominantly found in North and Middle America, particularly Mexico. Although this snake is known for its elusive nature in the wild, it’s a popular pet since it’s easy to care for.
Guatemalan milk snakes are one of the easiest snakes to keep. However, there are still a few things to be aware of. This article will cover everything you need to know about the Guatemalan milk snake and what you need to know about owning one.
All About the Guatemalan Milk Snake
Milk snakes are found across America, mainly on the outskirts of forests. They are hard to spot, hiding in logs and under shrubbery.
They can also be found in the depths of rivers and lakes, as well as open fields, and on occasion, they can be spotted on farms and in barns. However, it is significantly more common to encounter them in their natural habitats than on human territory.
As its name implies, the Guatemalan milk snake is native to Guatemala.
Eggs
After their mating season between March and June, developing milk snakes generally incubate within their oviparous eggs for around two months.
They hatch after incubation, and are able to fend for themselves but at smaller lengths and different colorations to their adult counterparts.
These snakes generally reach a total size of 3 to 4 feet (0.91-1.22 m) at around three years old, and their coloration involves bands of color. The Guatemalan milk snake contains bands of red, yellow, and black, and the most distinct feature in identifying the reptile is a white band crossing its black head.
Diet
The diet of the milk snake changes over time, and they begin by consuming invertebrates and continue to eat small mammals. They are also partial to:
- other snakes
- birds
- eggs
- and mollusks.
When kept as pets they typically live on rodents — usually rats and mice.
Habitat
Like many snakes, the Guatemalan milk snake tends to prefer “hiding spots,” especially if they live around humans or other potential predators.
Consequently, when they’re not slithering around your garden, they usually live in cold, dark, and usually damp areas like the underside of logs.
These snakes are most likely to leave their shelters on colder days and are most active late in the day. Warmer temperatures usually lead to these creatures seeking colder areas.
Are Guatemalan Milk Snakes Dangerous?
Milk snakes are not venomous. Their primary defense method lies in their ability to camouflage themselves or appear as though they are a different, potentially deadly breed.
When disturbed, the snake may vibrate the tip of its tail, and when severely threatened, it may bite. These bites rarely puncture the skin and are not deadly.
They will bite if sufficiently threatened, but their bites are non-fatal and usually won’t even pierce the skin.
How To Care for a Guatemalan Milk Snake
Snakes are some of the easiest pets to own, and the Guatemalan milk snake is especially so. It’s quite docile and requires a minimum of fuss. Still, there are some things you’ll need to know if you want to keep one as a pet:
Allow Your Guatemalan Milk Snake Time to Adjust to Its New Environment
Any pet in a brand-new home is likely to have high stress levels, which may even lead to aggression. It is essential to ensure that you create a safe space for your new addition to the family. Treat it gently and with great care.
It can take a while, but once the snake has adapted to its environment, it is unlikely to become aggressive with its caretaker. If bitten, wash the affected area with soap and water, and if you believe it may become infected, call a professional for assistance.
Necessary Equipment
The housing requirements for a milk snake include the following:
- A tank: Your tank should be reasonably large, with a tight lid. Snakes are good at escaping from the smallest of openings, so ensure the tank is always tightly sealed.
- Hiding places: Shrubbery, logs, leaves, and wood shavings are all vital features in a snake tank. Snakes love to hide under shelter, so ensure you have plenty of spots for them to relax.
- Temperature and Humidity: The temperature should stay at around 80°F (26°C). The tank should not be too humid. If mist appears on the glass, the level of humidity must be adjusted.
Perhaps the most important part of keeping a snake is feeding it properly. If you’ve never kept a snake before, getting used to feeding it will be a novel experience, especially since you’ll be handling actual animals as opposed to pellets or processed feed.
Still, there is something to be said for ease. You likely won’t have to worry too much about variety as most snakes can survive on a diet of rodents like rats and mice.
You should also opt for dead rodents instead of live feed. While snakes usually won’t have a problem killing and eating their food, there’s always the risk that their prey will fight back, which can sometimes cause nasty injuries.
Another area where snakes are vastly different from many other pets is feeding frequency. A young Guatemalan milk snake only needs to be fed every five days. Once it reaches maturity, you only need to feed it every 7-10 days.
Water
Like feeding, providing the right amount of water for your snake is easy but essential. Snakes like to soak in water, so leaving a shallow bowl big enough to hold your snake is key.
From time to time, you might even catch your snake lounging in the bowl. This is usually no cause for concern as snakes do this to regulate their temperatures and even when they’re shedding.
Conclusion
A Guatemalan milk snake is a viable option for anyone seeking a new pet. They require minimal care and are not venomous, making them a suitable companion for families with younger children. These snakes have been owned for decades by many different types of people and can be a great addition for anyone looking for a reptile friend.
