🐍 Pueblan Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli) Care Sheet

A colourful and active snake, great for novice snake owners due to its manageable size and temperament.
Difficulty: Beginner
Lifespan: 15–20 years
Adult Size: 3–4 feet
Enclosure Size: 3 ft long (20–40 gallons)
Temperament: Active, curious, and easy to handle once settled

🏠 Enclosure

• Type: Terrestrial setup with secure lid/doors

• Minimum size: 90 x 45 cm (36 x 18")

• Escape-proofing is essential — milk snakes are notorious for testing lids!

🌿 Substrate & Decor

• Substrate: Aspen, lignocel, or coco fibre (avoid pine/cedar)

• Depth: 2–4 inches to allow light burrowing

• Decor: Hides at both warm and cool ends, cork bark, fake plants, branches

• Extras: Leaf litter and clutter to support natural hiding behavior

🌡️ Temperature & Heating

• Warm side: 29–31°C (84–88°F)

• Cool side: 22–25°C (72–77°F)

• Night temp: Can drop to 20°C (68°F)

• Heating method: Heat mat with thermostat, or basking bulb with overhead gradient

• Use a digital thermometer on each side

💡 Lighting

• Not required, but a day/night cycle (12 hrs light, 12 hrs dark) is recommended

• Optional UVB (low-level, 2–5%) may provide some benefit for well-being

💧 Humidity

• Ideal range: 40–60%

• Provide a humid hide with damp moss, especially during shed

• Mist occasionally if needed, depending on ambient room humidity

💧 Water

• Shallow water dish, changed regularly

• Large enough for soaking, but not so deep it poses a drowning risk for small juveniles

🥩 Feeding

• Feed appropriately sized frozen-thawed rodents (pinkies for juveniles, small mice for adults)

• Feeding schedule:

  • Juveniles: Every 5–7 days

  • Adults: Every 7–10 days

• Avoid handling for 24-48 hours after feeding

⚠️ Handling & Behaviour

• Generally docile, but may musk or be shy at first

• Can be wriggly when young — gentle, regular handling helps tame them

• Always support the full body during handling

🧼 Cleaning

• Spot clean weekly

• Replace substrate every 4–6 weeks

• Disinfect water bowl regularly and hides during full clean