How to Care for an Apricot Milk Snake

Apricot milk snakes, also known as apricot Pueblan milksnakes, are relatively small, brightly colored and striped snakes commonly kept as pets. These snakes generally grow to between about 2 and 3 feet long, although they can grow to 6 feet, and feature bands of red, black and yellow. These snakes tend to be hardy, which makes them a good choice for beginner snake keepers. These snakes are also known for their relatively gentle, friendly temperament. They tend to be easy to pick up and handle. Like all snakes, though, apricot milk snakes require very specific care in order to remain healthy and live a full life.

Things You'll Need

  • Terrarium
  • Tight-fitting lid
  • Heating mat
  • Two thermometers
  • Reptile substrate
  • Two hiding areas
  • Water dish
  • Defrosted mice
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a terrarium, such as a glass terrarium, that fits the size of your snake. Provide about 1 square foot of ground space in the terrarium for each foot of the snake's length. The height of the terrarium should be about 1/3 of the snake's length. Keep apricot milk snakes by themselves. They can be cannibalistic, so never house them together, unless you want to breed them.

    • 2

      Place a tight-fitting lid, such as a screen top, on the terrarium. Apricot milk snakes will constantly look for a way out of their habitat, and can push aside lids that are not secure or have gaps where the snake can escape.

    • 3

      Place a reptile heating mat under one end of the habitat. This will be the warmer, or basking, area in the terrarium. The temperature should be between about 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The other end of the habitat should be slightly cooler, about room temperature. Never guess at temperatures, as this can be unsafe for the snake. Install a thermometer at each end of the terrarium.

    • 4

      Fill the bottom of the terrarium with a layer of reptile substrate, such as shredded newspaper, coco bark or aspen shavings. This substrate will catch waste. Never use cedar, redwood or pine shavings, as these substrates can be toxic to snakes.

    • 5

      Place two hiding areas in the terrarium, on at the cool end and one at the warm end of the habitat. These hiding areas are small, dark spaces with a single entrance, into which the snake can go when it feels the need to hide. These hiding spots will make the apricot milk snake feel much more comfortable. Hide areas can be made from cardboard boxes or overturned flowerpots, or purchased at pet stores. They should be just large enough to fit the snake; larger hide areas make the snake feel uncomfortable.

    • 6

      Place a heavy, wide water dish in the terrarium. This dish should be large enough for the snake to climb all the way in, and it should be easy for the snake to get in and out. This dish will need to be washed daily, and filled with fresh water.

    • 7

      Feed the snake according to the size. Feed defrosted mice that are no larger around than the widest part of the snake's body. Feed adult apricot milk snakes once every week or so. Feeding habits may slow during colder seasons.

    • 8

      Clean the habitat frequently. Replace an soiled or damp substrate every day. Replace all the substrate with fresh once a month.