Pueblan milksnake question

DragnDrop · 01-27-05, 05:16 PM

Just how long does a typical Pueblan milksnake get? I've read several care sheets, a few 'field guide' type websites, the "Kingsnake and Milksnakes" book by Markel & Bartlett, not to mention reading dozens of posts about them. The lengths I've seen vary from 24 inches all the way to 40+. I've got an opportunity to get 2 Pueblans, but have to consider the length restriction set by my house insurance. Any snake I have can't be longer than 36" as the 'accepted average for the species'. This means I won't have problems if my specimen happens to end up being a record breaker as long as the accepted length for the species is no longer than 3 feet.

And one more question - a 10 gallon tank or shoebox is often recommended for them since they are apparently happier in smaller enclosures. Is this really the way to go? Would an adult be happier (feel more secure) in a smaller space than say a 20 gallon size enclosure? I prefer to give my snakes some room to move around, and find the Ruthvens and hognoses take advantage of it regularly, even climb some branches I have in with them. If Pueblans would rather have a smaller enclosure, it's okay with me (would also mean I'd have room for one or two more

)

I'm really hoping their size fits the restrictions....
Thanks

marisa · 01-27-05, 05:24 PM

The Pueblan I had DEFINITLY appreciated a tiny enclosure. He used a shoebox (still a huge space for him) since he was a hatchling to about a year of age, and still had room to spare.

I am not sure 100% but I don't think many get over 3 feet.

Marisa

Stockwell · 01-27-05, 05:32 PM

Hilde, I have some over a decade old...I'll measure them tonight.
Here's a pic of some in the Zellers trays I use.. It's the blanket box size. I think they're 3 foot and change but two of these I bought off Lance last year, and they are the biggest campbelli I've ever seen...

Manitoban Herps · 01-27-05, 05:32 PM

i don't think that most get over 36 inches, a ten gallon would be fine for an adult for sure.

Get them for sure, and make sure to post pics

DragnDrop · 01-27-05, 05:51 PM

Just great! Gee Roy.... your pictures make me want to get them even if they get to 3 meters!

Wonder if the insurance would buy that --- "I thought your limit was 3 METERS" ??? LOL

SnakeyeZ · 01-27-05, 06:06 PM

Beautiful snakes.

Stockwell · 01-27-05, 08:45 PM

Ok, the biggest is a female at 45 inches, which I would call a giant. My other bloodline are males and they are 35 and 38... , so yeah they are 3 foot snakes..
You know Hilde, the females don't have their reproductive organs in their tail unlike males.
You could always cut their tails off to make them legal..., but then how would they hold hands while courting or taking long walks on the beach

(just kidding of course)

bighillreptiles · 01-27-05, 08:56 PM

beautiful Roy I have to get a few more now that i lost my one male and female

Stockwell · 01-27-05, 09:07 PM

Thanks Paul.. Sorry to hear about your devastating freeze out.
I hope to produce babies from that group this season, so there should be some available.

DragnDrop · 01-27-05, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stockwell
Ok, the biggest is a female at 45 inches, which I would call a giant. My other bloodline are males and they are 35 and 38... , so yeah they are 3 foot snakes..

Thanks, Roy

Isn't it fairly common for females to be bigger, so they could be the exception to the size rule by my interpretation

It looks like I'm getting some Pueblans very soon then.
Woohooo !!! !!

bighillreptiles · 01-27-05, 09:14 PM

dragon drop you will be hooked lol i am

bighillreptiles · 01-27-05, 09:20 PM

Thanks Roy all I can do is take my time and rebuild can't replace what i hade but can't quit eather It's in the blood you know how it is

Manitoban Herps · 01-28-05, 07:58 AM

What are your plans now Paul? Are you still going be collecting cali's and hondos?

bighillreptiles · 01-28-05, 08:19 AM

All the floridas i can whitesided and hypos and of corse my hondo dreams are only on hold not dead I still have 1.2 red hypo floridas and 1.4 hondos .No where what i had but it is a start better than losing them all and atro of realy nice bci's that im going to get tonight From DR Mo out west cant quit just have to rebuild. Over the next few years Thanks Kevin

DragnDrop · 02-01-05, 02:54 PM

Yessss!!! I'm picking up two of the pueblans this Saturday!

One is female, the other unsexed, both from different bloodlines 'just in case' I decide to breed sometime down the road. I'll even be getting their current enclosures, which makes one thing less for them to stress out about. Moving is bad enough, at least they'l have their old rooms to sulk in until they get used to the new home.

If there are any tips and tricks you think I should know about them, let me know. I've read up on them for about 6 months now, and I've got some kingsnake and a wee bit of corn and hognose experience, but any and all tips are welcome.