Sinaloae milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum sinaloae)

Origin
Origin: Northeast Costa Rica
Length: 130 to 160 cm
Lifespan: 15 years
The head is broad and somewhat separated from the neck. Two natural variations are known: the well-known "tricolor" with the classic red-black-white-black band ring, and the "bicolor," also called "mandarin," in which the normally white band is orange to red in color. There is a small black dot at the end of each scale. Melanin content increases as the snakes mature. Sometimes they are almost black with a faint pattern.

Care
Experience: Intermediate to experienced snake keeper
Food: These snakes naturally have a very varied diet consisting of both small mammals and a variety of lizards and snakes. Young animals sometimes also feed on small amphibians. In captivity, this species does exceptionally well on small mammals such as mice and young rats or mice.
Adult feeding: every 14 days
Juvenile feeding: every 7 days
Water bowl: Yes
Water change: 3 times per week
Feeding
There is the choice of offering the prey live or dead. It is recommended to offer dead food. This is more practical and prevents the prey animal from injuring your snake. It is also advisable to offer the prey animal with feeding tongs and to feed your snake outside the enclosure. This ensures that your hand is not associated with food and prevents your snake from reaching for your hand during feeding. If you do opt for live food, you must supervise the feeding. The prey animal can also injure the snake. Feed the snakes separately, because if two snakes catch the same prey, they can injure each other and sometimes even eat each other. The ideal prey is approximately as wide as the widest part of the snake.

Water
The water bowl in the enclosure must be large enough so that the snake can lie in it completely. and will help maintain the humidity level in the tank; the ideal humidity range is between 40% and 60%.

Cleaning
A hygienic living environment is important to keep your snake healthy. To achieve this, the enclosure must be cleaned regularly. Cleaning once a week is sufficient. To prevent the buildup of bacteria, the entire enclosure must be cleaned and disinfected several times a year.

Handling
To accustom the snake to contact with humans, it is advisable to pick up and handle the animal occasionally. However, when handling a snake, ensure that you support the animal at the base of the body and halfway down to the extremities. Never squeeze your snake while handling it, as their vertebrae are fragile and can break easily. Also, ensure that your hands are washed and do not smell of food. Finally, do not touch your snake when it is shedding, and do not touch the animal after it has just eaten. Young snakes or snakes that have not been handled before may be defensive and attack. The snake is not venomous, but it is best to avoid bite wounds. After repeated use, the snake will naturally get used to it and become less defensive.

Housing
Minimum size enclosure for 1 animal: 100 x 50 x 50
Lying surface: 0.5 m² and 1 raised platform per snake on which the snake can lie with its entire body.
Daytime temperature on the warm side: 29-32°C
Daytime temperature on the cooler side: 21-23°C
Nighttime temperature: 21-24°C
Hours of light: 12 hours
Humidity: 40%-60%
Substrate: Bark or beech wood chips
Design
These are true ground dwellers and naturally live among fallen leaves and branches in the rainforest floor. Temperatures here are moderate and there is little difference between day and night temperatures; humidity is relatively high. Take this into account when setting up an enclosure for these snakes. Offer them a substrate to dig in, such as aspen bedding or coconut-based soil, such as coconut fiber or peat. The average humidity should be around 40 to 60%. High humidity does not mean a wet surface.

Additionally, ventilation is necessary to keep the air fresh, and it is advisable to keep the accommodation out of direct sunlight and as vibration-free as possible.

Behavior
Hunting method: Strangler snake.
Lifestyle: Crepuscular and nocturnal active
Character
They like to hide in the forest floor among fallen branches, leaves, and stems. Snakes caught in the wild can be very shy and will hide if disturbed. They will usually try to get away but may bite if pinned down or not held properly. Nowadays, virtually all captive milk snakes come from many generations of descendants of animals kept in captivity, and this has resulted in active, curious, and calm snakes. This species is most active at dusk and in the evening.
Points to consider
Sinaloae can be defensive, especially in an enclosure. Keep this in mind when handling your snake to prevent unnecessary injury. Regular handling will eventually make the snake tame and calmer.
Costs and purchase
Legislation: No documentation is required to keep a Sinaloae milk snake. One-off costs: These include the costs for housing, lighting, heating, a water bowl, and decoration. Together, this can cost from a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros. The final amount depends on the quality and size.