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Sinaloan Milk Snake (L. triangulum sinaloae)

      Sinaloan milk snakes range from Sonora to Sinaloa and into south western Chihuahua, Mexico.  They are a small snake and typically only reach an adult size of 4-5 feet.  These snakes are very docile and make great first time pets.  With proper care one can expect their milk snake to live 10-20 years.  Sinaloan milk snakes can be shy and secretive, so it’s best to provide them with some form of hiding place.  Prehistoric Pets promotes responsible snake ownership and we recommend locking cages that prevent accidental escape.   Large constrictors and other escaped snakes can have a negative impact on the general public which can lead to a ban of snake ownership. 

Temperature

     Sinaloan milk snakes should be kept from 85-90 degrees during the day. Nighttime temperatures can range from 70-75 degrees.  Red or dark colored heat lights are ideal for night use because they do not disturb the day and night cycle of snakes. 

Housing

     Sinaloan milk snakes can be housed comfortably in a 29-40 gallon terrarium as adults.  Ideally the larger the snake the more room you want to provide.  Never place a cage near a window where sunlight can directly shine on your cage.  Cages placed in direct sunlight can easily overheat and ultimately lead to the death of your snake. 

Bedding

     Almost any type of bedding can be used for these milk snakes.  We recommend using carpet, bark, pine shavings, or aspen shavings.  A deep layer is recommended to allow your snake to hide if it chooses to do so.  

Food

     Sinaloan milk snakes feed on pinkie and fuzzy mice as babies and juveniles.  As your snake grows it will soon move up to adult mice.  We recommend that you feed baby and juvenile Sinaloan milk snakes one time per week.  Adult milk snakes can be fed once every 7-10 days to maintain proper body weight.   Like most snakes, Sinaloan milks typically will not eat when they are preparing to shed.  After your snake has shed you can return to your normal feeding regiment.  If your snake doesn’t eat make sure you remove the rodent from the cage.  Rodents, when hungry, can bite snakes and possibly injure or kill your snake.

Cleaning and Handling

     The terrarium should be cleaned as necessary. Any fecal matter or left over food should be cleaned out several times a week. The bedding should be completely changed once a month and fresh clean water should be provided at all times.  The inside of the terrarium can be cleaned out with an appropriate reptile cage cleaner, we recommend Natural Chemistry’s Healthy Habitat.  Sinaloan milk snakes can be handled on a daily basis and always wash your hands before and after handling them.