Milk snake Qs

Mophite · 12-08-07, 03:55 AM

Hello,
I'm new to the forums. I have one pet snake already, a Kenyan sand boa, but today I saw a very attractive milk snake that I'm considering to purchase. But my main concern is it is an adult from 02 and I don't think it has been handled very often. But the breeder's reptiles are typically very well tempered. Would it be hard to get an adult milk snake accustomed to being handled? I know there is a pretty good chance of being bit... a couple times... but it would eventually calm down right?

DaemoNox · 12-08-07, 05:18 AM

Are you able to go over there and handle the snake first? Even ask the breeder how it is, he should give you a better idea. All of the adult milks I've had have been jumpy and shy, which is normal for milks, but never nippy. Actually the only time I've ever been bit by a milk is when I had to restrain one to get tape off of it.

**Aaron_S** · 12-09-07, 01:54 AM

I agree with DaemoNox that most milks are very jumpy and flighty. I don't think I've had a milk ever try to bite me. Watch out for the poop shot though! Kings and milks like to crap all over you.

fedupdon · 03-10-08, 04:40 PM

ive kept mexican and red milks they will bite but not like the larger kings they nose around untill they find a soft spot like the webing between your fingers then they latch on they also poop alot as far as breeders most milkas do better with less handling my larger kings dont seem to care one way or the other

gonesnakee · 03-12-08, 02:21 PM

When a snake, any snake noses around & then bites you its not because its looking for a soft spot LOL its because a food response has been triggered. Baby kingsnakes being the worst offenders LOL Snakes like people are all individuals & a specimen should calm down over time with gentle handling, but there are no guarrantees on anything. The snake could be a real Ahole no matter what or could be a real angel. Only time will tell. Milksnakes are generally nervous by nature yep & are not always the best handlers, Mark

stevesemerko · 03-14-08, 07:32 AM

I agree with the previous statements...milksnakes are very jumpy and flighty but I have kept many and find with a little handling and a little poop you can calm them down. One of my baby pueblans was very twitchy but after a couple seconds of letting her slither through my hands she would calm right down and just hang out in my hands, at that point it was even possible to hand feed her pinkies. In my opinion you can calm down just about any species with a bit of patience and some TLC.

Pueblo · 03-17-08, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mophite

Hello,
I'm new to the forums. I have one pet snake already, a Kenyan sand boa, but today I saw a very attractive milk snake that I'm considering to purchase. But my main concern is it is an adult from 02 and I don't think it has been handled very often. But the breeder's reptiles are typically very well tempered. Would it be hard to get an adult milk snake accustomed to being handled? I know there is a pretty good chance of being bit... a couple times... but it would eventually calm down right?

Hello friend
names pueblo I have had three Pueblan milks and they are I find one of the easiest going. Never been bitten and mine are all very calm. two I have had since babies and one was three years old never handled but she acted like she had been handled all her life. I say go for it. I hope that helps.

tarsier · 04-02-08, 07:39 PM

My Pueblan neonate just tagged me thrice (picked her up to do a little maintenance on her tank). I got her 2 weeks ago and picked her up twice since then. Musked me but didn't bite me then.

How often do I have to handle her before she calms down?

**Aaron_S** · 04-03-08, 02:57 PM

Daily is recommended. 10 - 15 minutes at a time.

gonesnakee · 04-03-08, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Daily is recommended. 10 - 15 minutes at a time.

With the exceptions of shed cycles & a day or 2 after meals. Try to approach it from the side, not the top (thinks of you as a predator). Try not to actually have to grab it, but let it climb onto you if possible. Try not to restrain it, but moreso let it climb around itself in your hands, be the tree, Mark

steelheadchris · 04-03-08, 07:14 PM

I have a honduran that is a lil over 4' bought her around 3' and i never seen such a freak,she calms down a lil after about 15 min of hell ...lol and i have an abberant king thats over 3' and he acts like a lil puppy, he loves to be held ,he doesnt even try to go anywhere,but my wife got him when he was like 8'' long . i think it depends on the snake ,and how much it was handled.grab it and find out,whats a lil blood,,,,,,,,,,,,,,lol

tarsier · 04-03-08, 10:22 PM

Got it thanks

Pueblo · 04-04-08, 05:58 AM

Hello my friends
hope everyone is well
me and my milks are great. But in the last three weeks our family has grown. for my B-day my friend gave me 2 baby sand boas a i bought a snow corn i could not resist. i think im going to stop getting more have my hands full now.
but all my snakes are well behaved.
never been bitten.
but they dont trust my friends or my mom and poop on them every time.
there smart and if you are slow and gentle they will trust you.
im not sure who said it but be the tree.
peace

**Aaron_S** · 04-07-08, 10:47 AM

Listen to Mark in regards to the exceptions of when to handle a snake. I should have put that in my post.

danbo · 05-27-08, 08:51 AM

I suggest you use a Hook to get it out of the tank.
I made one from a wire coathanger. The snake fears any approach from above. You should stroke it with the hook a few times to let it know you're there.
Then hook it under the belly & forward of its midway length.
Hoist it out & put it on the floor until it settles down. Then slowly reach under it near the tail to hold it.
Lift with both hands & don't squeeze it.