Author Description

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 environment, these attractive snakes have few disadvantages for keepers. They are modestly sized (max 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 gives a comprehensive primer on the health requirements and veterinary care. The authors discuss fifteen superb milksnakes in the section "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. Presents essential knowledge for "long-term" watch and maintenance of the lovely milksnakes including housing, selection, diet, breeding, and health.