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Handle them slowly, calmly, and in short bursts in the beginning, and you can then build this up over time. They rarely bite but do have a unique defense mechanism: When they feel threatened, they release a pungent musk odor that is difficult to get rid of. They are naturally shy and do not enjoy being held at first, so you’ll need to gradually tame them and earn their trust. Juvenile Milk Snakes can be skittish and difficult to handle, but as they mature, they become more docile. The eggs will need to be incubated on a damp substrate at 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit.Īre Pueblan Milk Snakes Friendly? Our Handling Advice
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That said, males and females placed in an enclosure will likely mate, but reducing temperatures gradually will help too.
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Breedingīreeding of Pueblan Milk Snakes should be left to experienced breeders, as even discerning between males and females can be a real challenge for novices.
Milksnake morphs full#
They reach full maturity at 3-4 years old and can live for up to 20 years in captivity under the right conditions. In the wild, the exact lifespan of Pueblan Milk Snakes is largely unknown, although it is most likely no more than 10 years. Bacterial and fungal infections can also be an issue in an unkempt environment, so make sure to clean their tank regularly. Too much humidity is also potentially disastrous because it can cause respiratory illnesses and inflammation in the mouth and nostrils. One of the most common issues with captive snakes is low humidity levels, a factor that can make shedding difficult. Try to keep their tank close to a window but away from direct sunlight, or alternatively, have a light source setup with an automated day/night cycle. These snakes do not need any special lighting, but they do need to be exposed to a natural day/night cycle.
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Image Credit: anythings, Shutterstock Appearance They can thrive in various conditions and are ideal for beginners. They are hardy reptiles that can be regularly handled and have long lifespans. They are moderately sized and don’t need large enclosures. They are active reptiles that can be fairly challenging to handle as juveniles, but with some taming, they grow out of this as adults.
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