Suggestion?

If I was to get a milk, which would be the best? Like, I would want a very pretty snake that wouldn't hide too much and would be very clam. I was thinking of Hondurans. How are these? I also wouldn't get a snake for a long while, so I can read up on the care of the milk I am most interested in. Any suggestions?

[vanderkm]

In our experience with milks they are all flighty while young, but settle down with maturity. There is a lot of difference in mature size. Mexicans and Louisiana milksnakes may just be 2-3 feet at full grown, but Hondurans can be over 6 feet. The smaller species are more sensitive, may be shyer and more easily frightened (our Mexican male is full grown but still doesn't like to eat any mice bigger than fuzzies - he is afraid of larger ones - even dead). All the milks we have had are quite secretive, like to hide most of the time, but can get used to handling. Our adult hondurans are the most tolerant of handling of any of our milks. Our Kingsnakes are much more curious and likley to be out basking and hanging around than the milks though - so if you want a snake that you will see more of in its cage, consider one of the kingsnakes. The variables are the same size as smaller milksnakes and can come in the same colors and cal kings are as big as hondurans at maturity.

good luck with your choice.

mary v.

[Burmies]

You could go for a pueblan milksnake.

Burmies

[fr0glet]

My tangerine honduran is out and about in his cage every day. He's curious of what's happening around him and not shy. He tolerates handling quite well - even by hundreds of children.

I also have some corn snakes in my care who are often seen roaming their cages and quite handleable.

[Ladyhawk]

I'm shocked by how calm my Louisiana milksnake is. I bought him on a whim. A pet store was going out of business and the owner only wanted $40, terrarium and all. I picked him up, held him and wanted him instantly. I didn't realize he was supposed to be flighty. (Neither did he.)

I've had him for about three months and in that time he has blossomed. The first few days he thought I might be edible, but since his first feeding he hasn't bitten me. He has never musked me, not even once. He actually seems to enjoy being handled. I can feed him pinkies from my hand when I'm feeling brave.

He's 17 inches long and absolutely gorgeous. I didn't know Louisiana milks were so small. I thought he was a yearling, but he might be as old as three or four, depending on how often he was fed.

In short: very nice snake! I would love to try to breed them, even though the babies are only five inches long when they hatch!

He does hide quite a bit, but that's due mostly to the fact he's nocturnal. When it gets closer to feeding day (Saturday), he roams the cage more, hunting for food.

[jwsporty]

Our Tang, likewise is very active during the day and loves to be handled. Only time he hides out is when he is going through a shed, then we don't see him for a week. He's 54" right now. My Pueblan which comes from 02 stock is still very hyper, but we love him none the less. But if you want the snake to be always out and about then go with Mary's recommendation and look into Kings. Their personalities can be as different as their looks, I have some that are puppy dogs and others that require a little extra care when handling. Good luck

Jim

[crimsonking]

Many hatchling milks are "jumpy". Most will calm down with time and regular handling. There are a ton of ssp. out there to choose from. Sinaloans are a fair choice also. Any of the mexicana kings are a real good pick. Let us know more about what you're looking for and what you ultimately choose.
:Mark