Your Pueblan milksnake will do best in a large tank. Typically, an aquarium is the best option for setting up a reptile habitat. Since the Pueblan milksnake is actually on the smaller end of commonly kept snakes, only reaching four feet at maximum length. Though babies can be kept in smaller enclosures, an adult Pueblan milksnake will require at minimum a 20 gallon long tank. It is also important to provide a form of substrate the snake can burrow in—Jungle Mix, repti-bark, or other types of shavings are best. Make sure a clean bowl of water is always available.

As they are cold blooded reptiles native to the warm climate of Mexico, you will need to provide a good bit of heat for your milksnake. All reptiles require a heat source, and the best way to provide this is by setting up a UVA/UVB lamp and a heat lamp on one end of the tank. This will make one side of the tank the “hot” end, and one side the cooler end. By doing this, you are providing a heat gradient so that your reptile can actually self-regulate their internal temperature. If not given enough heat, reptiles may go into a state similar to hibernation called brumation, which can be dangerous if not induced or monitored by a reptile specialist. The hot end of the tank should max out at around 90º-95º, while the cooler end can be in the 80ºs during the day. Humidity is also important for reptiles; these milksnakes do best at 40%-60% humidity.

Lastly, always provide a place to hide large enough for them to fit their entire bodies in, so they can feel secure. It is best to put the hide on the cooler end of the tank for sleeping.

As with any pet, proper nutrition is paramount. All snakes are carnivorous, and a wild Pueblan milksnake has the ability to eat any smaller creature it can catch – mice, rats, small lizards, birds, and even other snakes. Your pet Pueblan milksnake will most likely be accustomed to a diet of mice. The easiest way to keep a supply of food for your snake is to purchase frozen mice and thaw them in warm water before feeding. Feeding live mice runs the risk of a bite injury or infection for the snake. The size of the mice depends on the width of the snake’s jaw.

Never feed the Pueblan milksnake within their normal enclosure. To keep the snake from needlessly biting you, it is best to always feed your snake in a separate, smaller enclosure. This will let them associate the different space with feeding, so they will be less inclined to bite your hand when you reach for them in their tank.

Pueblan milksnakes can be wonderfully calm and easy to hold if they are handled properly from an early age. Always be gentle when picking up a snake. Lift the snake by its largest part of the midsection with both hands, and let the snake become accustomed to you. The snake may slither slowly forward across your hands, and you can continue to move your hands in a cyclical motion to keep control of the snake. Never grab too hard, and try to avoid touching the head.

If a child is handling the snake, always keep a close watch and make sure they are not grabbing too hard or poking the face. Frantic movements may startle the snake, so always remain calm and focused. Snakes are also escape artists, so keep an eye out, or he may slither quickly away.

The Pueblan milksnake can make a great first reptile if you are looking to venture into the exciting and exotic! Snakes, though they have a reputation of being “creepy” from movies and books, actually make great pets as they don’t eat every day and actually require a lower level of care than a dog or a cat. Cost-wise, they generally are most expensive up front, with the purchase of a tank and heating lamps. After that, they are very low cost and low maintenance.

Medical issues with snakes like the Pueblan milksnake can include things like malnutrition, lack of heat, respiratory infection, and egg binding. Feed the snake once a week minimum, and observe them to make sure they are able to consume all of their food. Always ensure your Pueblan milksnake has adequate heat or they will be unable to metabolize their food. Egg binding occurs when a female has eggs and is unable to lay them, which can damage the reproductive organs.

With any reptile, there is a risk of exposure to salmonella. It is important to always wash hands carefully after handling any animal, especially when children are involved. Never let a child put their pet anywhere near their mouth. It is common for reptiles to have a low number of internal parasites that do not normally pose any risk to humans. In times of stress, the reptile’s immune system may weaken and allow the parasites to overpopulate, posing a risk to the animal’s health.

As with any pet, it is of the utmost importance to seek veterinary care at the first sign of something wrong. We at Fauna recommend the Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine (see below for contact information). We are always happy to take your calls with any questions, and we will try to do our best to help you, but we are unable to provide all the necessary services a veterinarian can.

Fauna
265 West 87th Street (at Broadway)
New York, NY 10024
(212) 877-2473
faunanyc.com
faunacrew@gmail.com

The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine
562 Columbus Avenue (at 88th Street)
New York, NY 10024
(212) 501-8750