Owning a pet snake can be exciting. But with so many pet-friendly species to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which snake will suit you best. Before making a final decision about keeping a Mexican milk snake, you should know how to properly care for one. 

To best care for a Mexican milk snake, you should provide a suitable enclosure, diet, and temperature. They need a basking spot, a hide box, and a water bowl. These snakes primarily feed on rodents. It’s also important to keep their enclosure clean, monitor their health, and handle them gently. 

Further down, you’ll read more about their appearance, size, and temperament. I’ll also share some interesting facts about these snakes and go over their care guide in more detail. 

Mexican Milk Snake: Appearance, Size, Temperament, Care Guide, and Other Must-Know Facts for Pet Owners

Mexican milk snakes (Lampropeltis annulata) are native to Mexico and Central America. They are relatively easy to care for and are known to be hardy and adaptable. Beginners can comfortably own one as a pet. 

Here’s what you need to know before doing so: 

Appearance

Mexican milk snakes have a striking appearance. They’re known for the distinctive pattern of red, black, and white rings on their body. The lighter areas of their body can be orange, cream, yellow or white. 

These snakes have elongated bodies, pointed tails, and small, rounded faces. Their face is usually black, and they also have black eyes. 

They have smooth, glossy scales. On the underside of a Mexican milk snake, you’ll see checkered blacks and whites. 

Size

Mexican milk snake hatchlings are typically between 7 and 10 inches (18 and 25 cm) in length. They rapidly increase in size and reach lengths of approximately 24 – 30 inches (61 – 76 cm) when mature. Female snakes can grow much bigger than males, so keep this in mind when choosing between sexes.

Temperament

If you’re a first-time snake owner, you’re in luck! Mexican milk snakes have a docile temperament. You’ll have an easy time handling it. It’s unlikely your snake will ever get aggressive if you regularly hold it and properly care for your pet. 

Mexican milk snakes are also curious and active. They enjoy exploring their enclosure. These characteristics contribute to their pet-friendly demeanor and popularity amongst reptile enthusiasts. 

Mexican Milk Snake Care Guide

Caring for a Mexican milk snake is pretty straightforward. Keep these points in mind to ensure your snake stays healthy and happy:

• Enclosure: You should house your Mexican milk snake in a terrarium that’s at least 20 gallons (76 L) big. They’re active and need enough room to move around. Provide your snake with a place to hide and some branches to climb, as this species climb occasionally.
• Temperature: Keep the temperature in your snake’s enclosure between 75 and 85 °F (24 and 28 °C) on the cool end. The basking end should have a spot that’s 90 – 95 °F (32 – 35 °C). You can use a heat lamp or ceramic heater to maintain this. 
• Lighting: Provide a 12-hour light cycle, including a UVB light, to help your snake absorb calcium.
• Substrate: You can place aspen shavings, coconut fiber, or cypress mulch in your snake’s enclosure as substrate. 
• Food: Mexican milk snakes can eat mice and rats when kept as pets. You should feed your snake once a week. 
• Cleaning: Clean your pet snake’s enclosure regularly and change its substrate every two months. Spot cleaning, when necessary, will help you maintain a clean environment. 

Interesting Facts About Mexican Milksnake That Every Owner Should Know

• Mexican milk snakes are non-venomous. But if your pet snake bites you, clean the wound with antibacterial soap.
• These snakes are good climbers and swimmers. You should place some branches and a large water bowl in their terrarium.
• They aren’t an endangered species. However, their population is declining due to habitat destruction. 
• Mexican milk snakes are most active at night. They play dead or make hissing sounds when they feel threatened. 
• These snakes are great escape artists. It’s essential to have a secure enclosure for them.
• Mexican milk snakes often use mimicry to protect themselves from predators. They mimic the venomous coral snake. 
• Mexican milk snakes mate in late spring to early summer. The female then lays ten eggs on average a month later. These eggs typically hatch by the end of summer.

Before Slithering Away

Owning a pet snake is a lifelong commitment. Mexican milk snakes can live up to 22 years. Before purchasing one, be sure you’ll be happy caring for it this long. You should also have someone in mind to look after your snake if you go on vacation or in case of an emergency. 

Mexican milk snakes make great beginner and family pets. If you’re into reptiles, this species could be a great choice. They’re docile, easy to care for, and non-venomous.