The Sinaloan milk snake is a type of milk snake native to Northwestern Mexico. They’re characterized by their unique banded pattern consisting of alternating black, red, and white bands.
The Sinaloan milk snake can grow between 36” and 48” (91-122 cm), with males typically slightly longer than females. They prefer to stay close to the ground, hiding under rocks and logs or burrowing in the soil.
When caring for a Sinaloan milk snake, some basic requirements must be met to ensure its health and well-being. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive guide to caring for your pet snake.
Sinaloan Milk Snake: Size, Appearance, Temperament, Care, and Other Facts
The Sinaloan milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum sinaloae) is a subspecies of milk snake found in the Mexican state of Sinaloa from Sonora to Chihuahua, and it’s a non-venomous colubrid snake species.
It’s known for its beautiful colors and patterns and is a popular pet snake among enthusiasts due to its docile temperament, longevity, and ease of care. Their name Sinaloan is derived from their native range in the Mexican state of Sinaloa.
In their natural environment, they can be found in various habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and forests.
Appearance & Size
The Sinaloan milk snake has a range of colors and patterns. The body is generally orange-red in color, with black, yellow, or white bands running along the length of its body. The red bands are wider than the others and form a checkered pattern.
The head is usually black and has a creamed colored band on the head and behind the eyes. Adult milk snakes reach about 3’ to 4’ (91-122 cm), with juvenile snakes being much smaller.
Behavior and Temperament
These snakes are solitary creatures and territorial and may become aggressive when provoked or cornered, so it’s best to leave them alone if encountered in the wild. They may rattle their tails and produce musk as a warning when disturbed.
You can rarely spot them in the wild during the daytime as they are nocturnal animals. During hibernation, you may find them in groups, usually in the winter den, where they can stay warm.
They’re generally skittish and shy and can be quite defensive when handled.
You should let them settle in before attempting to handle them, as that will ensure a better experience for both you and the snake. Wait for 48 hours after they have eaten before you pick them up.
They should be handled carefully and gently, as they are fragile and can become easily startled.
Care Requirements
To keep your Sinaloan milk snake healthy, you’ll need to provide them with the proper housing, a suitable diet, and adequate lighting.
Housing
The enclosures for these snakes need to be at least 2-3 times the snake’s length. A 10-20 gallon (38-76 L) tank is recommended, depending on the size of your snake. A 36” x 18” x 18” aquarium (91 x 46 x 46 cm) with a tight-fitting lid is the most suitable choice.
Wooden vivariums are mostly preferred because they’re aesthetically pleasing and can hold in heat better than glass. But if you use a glass vivarium, you should consider modifying the mesh top to hold the required heat.
Temperature and Heating
The Sinaloan milk snake needs a temperature gradient of 81 to 91°F (27.2 to 32.7°C), with a basking spot of 95℉ to 98℉ and a cool spot of around 70℉ to 75°F (21.1 to 23.9°C). You should also provide a humid hide box with a damp substrate.
The best way to heat your Sinaloan milk snake’s enclosure is with ceramic bulbs or heat mats.
Humidity
The optimal humidity for these snakes is between 40% and 70%. You can maintain the proper humidity level by misting the enclosure with a water bottle or using a humidifier.
Place a humidity gauge in the enclosure, and adjust it as needed.
You should also provide a water dish in the enclosure for your snake to drink from and mist around it.
Humidity helps the snake stay hydrated and regulate its temperature, encourages healthy shedding, and balances the air quality in the enclosure.
Too much humidity can encourage bacteria and fungus growth, so you should keep it within a reasonable range.
Diet and Feeding
Sinaloan Milk Snakes are carnivorous and opportunistic feeders and will eat insects, such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and other live feeder insects. Depending on the size of your snake, you’ll need to adjust the size and frequency of feedings accordingly.
Offer 1-2 appropriately sized prey items twice a week.
Ensure the prey item is no larger than the widest part of your snake’s body to prevent it from choking or having digestive issues. Avoid overfeeding and stick to a consistent routine to help keep your snake healthy.
