Milk Snakes Diet: What Do They Eat? - An In-Depth Guide

When it comes to milk snakes, it's important to dispel the myth that these snakes actually drink milk. In reality, they, like all snakes, consume water only. However, their diet is quite varied, and this article will explore the eating habits of milk snakes in the wild and in captivity.

Wildlife Diet of Milk Snakes

In their natural habitats, young milk snakes often eat a variety of prey items, including smaller snakes, lizards, amphibians, and even insects and newborn rodents. It's a common misconception that they drink milk, but this is not the case.

Diet Preferences by Subspecies

The specific diet of young milk snakes can vary depending on the subspecies. For example, baby scarlet kingsnakes will only accept very small lizards or lizard tails as their initial food. As these snakes grow and adapt, they can eventually be trained to accept a newborn pinky mouse by scent rubbing, a technique where a previously frozen preferred diet is used to encourage the snakes to make the switch.

Bigger Milk Snakes in Captivity

In the pet trade, larger and more common milk snake species such as the Sinaloan or Honduran milk snakes readily accept newborn "pinky" mice as neonates. These species are known for being relatively easy to keep and are highly diverse and visually striking snake species native to North and South America.

Some of the most preferred milk snake species that are favored by many snake enthusiasts include red milksnakes and coastal plains milk snakes. Over the years, the writer has kept several varieties including Louisiana Eastern Scarlets, Pales, and even some hybrids.

Captivity Diet of Milk Snakes

In captivity, the diet of milk snakes is primarily focused on rodents. Most baby milk snakes can handle a pinky mouse, even if they are too thin for larger prey items like crickets.

Common Prey Items for Milk Snakes

Milk snakes are not picky eaters and consume a variety of prey items, including other snakes, insects, amphibians, and small rodents. Some milk snakes have even been known to eat venomous snakes, demonstrating their adaptability and predatory nature.

Genetic Relationship with Kingsnakes

Milk snakes are closely related to kingsnakes, both belonging to the genus Lampropeltis. This genetic relationship can influence their dietary habits and preferences.

Milk snakes are not only an exciting addition to any collection but also easy to care for, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced reptile keepers.

Whether in the wild or in captivity, understanding the dietary habits of milk snakes is crucial for successful breeding and maintaining their health.