The kingsnakes and milksnakes of the Lampropeltis genus have been among the most popular snakes in terrariums for many years. Their manageable body size, bright colors and comparatively uncomplicated husbandry requirements make most species of non-venomous snakes suitable for beginners in the terrarium hobby. In the past decade, new studies have led to extensive changes in the taxonomic systematics of the king snakes. This book summarizes the currently valid taxonomy of the entire genus Lampropeltis for the first time and thus pursues the approach of promoting the hitherto reluctant acceptance of the use of the valid nomenclature. The author has kept various species of kingsnakes and milksnakes for around 30 years and provides an insight into his husbandry and breeding methods.

Describes the physical characteristics, different species, and common behavior of milk snakes.

An elite member of the kingsnake family, the milksnake is found exclusively in the Americas and has one of the largest ranges of all snakes. Milksnakes by Bryan Engler and Jerry Walls is devoted to this most diverse of snakes, whose color variations in the pet world exceed those found in nature, illustrating how wildly popular milksnakes are with hobbyists. Thanks to milksnakes' hardiness, ease of breeding and feeding, and generally friendly nature, these attractive snakes have few disadvantages for keepers. They're modestly sized (maxing out at 3 or 4 feet), and their many colorful patterns are undeniably eye-catching, as captured in the photographs of this book. This Advanced Vivarium Systems title includes information about selecting and purchasing a healthy milksnake, housing and maintenance needs, feeding, handling, and health care. A separate chapter on diseases and disorders provides a complete primer on the health needs and veterinary care. The authors discuss fifteen superb milksnakes in the chapter "The Most Popular Milksnakes," from the black milksnake to the Utah milksnake, offering descriptions and color photographs of each. The chapter "Almost Milksnakes," covering six similar kingsnakes, and a fascinating chapter about milksnake hybrids will both prove of great interest to lovers of these friendly snakes. Resources and index included.

Provides information on the selection and care of king and milk snakes.

The kingsnakes and milksnakes of the Lampropeltis genus have been among the most popular snakes in terrariums for many years. Their manageable body size, bright colors and comparatively uncomplicated husbandry requirements make most species of non-venomous snakes suitable for beginners in the terrarium hobby. In the past decade, new studies have led to extensive changes in the taxonomic systematics of the king snakes. This book summarizes the currently valid taxonomy of the entire genus Lampropeltis for the first time and thus pursues the approach of promoting the hitherto reluctant acceptance of the use of the valid nomenclature. The author has kept various species of kingsnakes and milksnakes for around 30 years and provides an insight into his husbandry and breeding methods.

This colorful book covers the acquisition, housing, cage maintenance, feeding, breeding, and common health problems of kingsnakes and milk snakes.

This guide identifies tricolors along with milk snake varieties, and advises on their care.