To house a milk snake a 10 or 20 gallon tank with a wire mesh sliding lid that closes very securely is the best choice. The general rule of thumb that applies for most snake species is that the length of the tank or cage should be at least 2/3rds of the length of the animal. After finding a suitable tank (a milk snake really shouldn't be kept in any other type of cage) a milk snake will next need a heating pad. This is placed underneath the tank and should cover only about a 3rd of the floor space. For substrate aspen shavings work best so that the snake is able to burrow. The milk snake likes to hide and will need some hiding places, at least 3, in its home. They should be spaced out evenly around the enclosure. It also needs some structures for climbing such as artificial branches or vines. Make sure that everything in the tank is secure and can't fall and injure your pet.
Pre-killed, frozen mice are the most recommended food for milk snakes. Its cheaper and more convenient. It can also be bought in bulk where it is cheaper then buying live mice. The mice are killed humanely where you
don't have to be guilty about the suffering it causes when either you or your snake kill it. Also, live mice sometimes bite or scratch the snake it is being fed to. Mice should be no bigger then 1 ½ times the width of the thickest section of the snake's body. If you think it might be too big, go the safe route and feed him/her a smaller mouse. Start by feeding the snake every 3 days and then feed it less or more based on it's behavior. You will definitely know if you are feeding the milk snake too often because he/she will not. If you aren't feeding the snake often enough he/she will become lethargic and inactive. Its unlikely for you to starve the snake to death as snakes can fast for long periods of time. Water is very crucial. At all times fresh, clean water should be kept in the cool area of the tank in a shallow water dish. It should be changed at least once a day and immediately if every defecated in.
