Reptile · Kingsnake & milksnake
Ecuadorian milk snake care guide
Lampropeltis micropholis
The ecuadorian milk snake is a intermediate-level kingsnake & milksnake from Costa Rica to Ecuador. Adults reach 120–180 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. One of the largest milk snakes; slightly higher humidity than northern milks. Solitary.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a ecuadorian milk snake cost in Canada?
Ecuadorian milk snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 120–180 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Costa Rica to Ecuador
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Ecuadorian milk snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a ecuadorian milk snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Flighty as juveniles; adults usually tolerate handling.
Health watch: Watch for dehydration and stuck sheds.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperatures and refresh water.
Weekly
- Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a ecuadorian milk snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Ecuadorian milk snake FAQ
Is the ecuadorian milk snake good for beginners?
The ecuadorian milk snake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Flighty as juveniles; adults usually tolerate handling.
What size enclosure does a ecuadorian milk snake need?
At least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (about 47 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a ecuadorian milk snake cost in Canada?
Typically $250–500 CAD to buy, about $860–1570 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a ecuadorian milk snake need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a ecuadorian milk snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 7–10 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.