Caring for your Honduran Milk Snake
Honduran Milk Snake
(Lampropeltis triangulum hondurensis)
Basic Information:
The Honduran Milk Snake is one of the most vibrant and striking members of the kingsnake family, known for its bold bands of red, black, and yellow or orange. Native to Honduras, Nicaragua, and northeastern Costa Rica, these snakes inhabit tropical forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. They are crepuscular to nocturnal, spending daylight hours hidden under logs or in burrows. Adults typically reach 4–5 feet, making them a manageable size for most keepers and a favorite beginner-friendly species due to their hardiness.
Lifespan:
Typically 15-20 years in captivity
Sexing:
Males are generally smaller and thinner, while females are larger and heavier-bodied. Sexing is most accurately done by probing or experienced handling.
Enclosure:
Minimum for adults: depends on the subspecies; i.e Hunduran Milk snakes require 4x2x2 enclosures while other subspecies would require a minimum 36”x18”x18” enclosure due to their smaller size.
Escape-proof lid is essential—milk snakes are excellent at finding gaps
Substrate:
Aspen shavings, Coconut husk, cypress mulch.
Spot clean regularly and fully replace substrate monthly.
Lighting & Temperature:
Basking Spot: 88-90°F.
Ambient Temperature: 75-82°F
Cool Side: 72=75°F.
UVB Lighting: UVB is not required but can be used for natural day/night cycle.
Humidity:
Maintain 40-60% humidity. Increase slightly during shedding with light misting or a humid hide.
Always monitor humidity levels with a digital hygrometer.
Food:
Feed frozen thawed rodents of the appropriate size (About the same width as the widest part of the snake)
Juveniles: Feed every 5-7 days
Adults: Feed every 10-14 days
Water:
Provide fresh water daily in a shallow dish. Use a heavy dish to avoid tipping, and replace water daily or when dirty.
Supplementation:
No additional vitamins and minerals are needed when feeding whole prey items.
Bright, beautiful, and generally easygoing, the Honduran Milk Snake makes an excellent pet for keepers of all experience levels. Their manageable size, strong feeding response, and stunning coloration make them a standout in any reptile collection.
Where can I find a Milk Snake for Sale Near Me?
If you’re coming from Fairfax County, Virginia, it’s just a quick drive to Critters, Reptiles & Exotics in Frederick, Maryland, where you can check availability and talk with experts about proper setups and feeding schedules. There’s always a new adventure waiting at Critters, Reptiles & Exotics!