LEXCORN

 

Lampropeltis triangulum hondurensis                             Milk Snake

Honduran News '08

Description

There are several subspecies among the milk snakes, including the Honduran which is found in the rainforests of Honduras, Nicaragua & Costa Rica in Central America.

The milk snake (L t) is a species of king snake. The wild type snakes do not fear human proximity, however, they are secretive & are rarely seen. Their secretive nature is, also, apparent in the captive bred specimens & they do not submit to frequent handling as readily as the more popular corn snake.

Milk snakes are opportunistic feeders & have been known to consume a variety of animals including rodents, eggs, birds, reptiles, amphibians & invertebrates. This being said, the diet of a captive bred adult primarily consists of rodents.

The stunning colouration & pattern that is being bred in captivity has elevated this colubrid to a much coveted status. Varieties include ( but, not limited to) Hypomelanistic; Albino; Tangerine Albino; Anerythristic; Ghost; Hybino; Snow; Vanishing Pattern; Aberrant.

 

Average price

£100 - £300

Lifespan

21 years (C.B.)

Size category

Small - adults reach 5’

Feeding requirements

Hatchlings are voracious feeders. Adults will accept defrost mice, rats & chicks.

All offerings should be of the appropriate size for the animal (1.5 thickest part of the body).

Hatchlings/ Yearlings - 5 day feeding schedule

Sub adult/Adult - 7/10 day feeding schedule

Housing requirements

Vivarium - 3’ x 18’ x 18’ (¾ of the adult size of the snake)

Hatchlings/Yearlings prefer a small enclosure.

Heat mat - to cover 1/3 of the vivarium floor

Thermostat - Day/Night or Pulse proportional. *Dth: 30C *Ntl: 23C

Optimum for digestion: 24C - 26C

Furnishings - Several Hides, Water bowl, substrate (woodshavings).

Provide sufficient burrowing material.

Ailments

Captive Bred animals are, ideally, parasite & virus free. Wild caught specimens will require blood & feceal testing by a Reptile Veterinarian.

Susceptibility to illness

Respiratory Tract Infection or Mouth Rot are the most commonly seen problems. These ailments are, generally, caused by improper environmental conditions (too cold, wet, or prolonged stress - provision of thermal gradient absent in enclosure).

Signs of Illness & Stress in Reptiles

Lethargy; Failure to eat over several weeks; Regurgitation; Prolonged soaking in water (may be indicative of parasite infection); Aggression (if, normally, a passive species); Prolonged gaping (open mouth); Loss of muscle tone/strength; Tremors; Abscess/blisters/scabs.

These are signs of an underlying condition. Refer to a qualified Reptile Veterinarian to begin a regime of treatment.

Choosing

Selection of a snake.

Look for an animal with a well developed body for age, no visible cuts or abrasions, clear alert eyes, tongue flicking, no signs of mites or ticks (usually seen in water dish in enclosure; & under chin groove, or visible as small black ‘dots’ on a white animal), no discharge from mouth, clean vent.

Energy

A swift moving & high-strung species. Hatchlings/Yearlings are quick to escape your grasp. Mature adults have an excellent ability to grip, although more interested in avoiding contact.

Amount of exercise

Although the Honduran milk snake can climb they are, essentially, a terrestrial snake & provision of sufficient ground space is required in the vivarium. Active, in their natural habitat, during the high daytime temperatures. They are, more frequently, hidden in the vivarium.

Distress caused if left alone

A solitary creature by nature & will, usually, have bred with other wild type of the species whilst still in their hibernacula.

There is no requirement to provide a companion unless you wish to breed the Honduran.

N.B. It is essential to provide a separate enclosure for each animal due to the cannibalistic nature of this species.

Ease of transportation

Simple

Provide a suitable sized container, ( Contico box; fun bin; faunarium) with air holes & locking handles, to transport.

Level of aggression

Low

Hatchlings are more apt to bite than an adult.

A few have a disconcerting habit of slowly but gently exploring your hand (when held) & then chewing on the soft tissue between fingers!

Compatibility with other animals

Not advisable given the cannibalistic nature of this species.

Suitability for children

Low

A nervous species with less tolerance for the quick movement of a child’s hands.

 

Hygiene

How we keep our pets can affect our own health.

Cleaning

General removal of debris (food, feceas, urates, blood, saliva etc) which helps reduce the amount of organic matter that contributes to the proliferation of bacteria & disease.

The best method is with hot, soapy water. Followed by a clean rinse which flushes any loose debris away. Complete rinse out by use of sponges, cloths or paper towels.

To disinfect (use as manufacturer advises on product), generously apply solution to the clean surfaces with a saturated cloth, sponge or spray bottle. Leave for 10 minutes (15 - 20 is better).

To sterilize - leave solution for 30 minutes (check instructions on product dilution ratio).

Rinse out thoroughly prior to re-introducing reptile to vivarium.

N.B. Never mix Ammonia & Bleach. If using bleach to disinfect utensils, sink, water bowls. Carefully rinse all soap residue as many dishwashing soaps contain ammonia.

A separate set of cleaning equipment should be allocated for animal/reptile use.

Do not use soaps or cleaners which are abrassive, contain pine scents or phenols.

Reptile disinfectants can be purchased through animal supply catalogues or pet stores.

Always instruct children to wash their hands after touching animals or reptiles.

 

* Dth:  (Day Time High)

*Ntl:   (Night Time Low)