The female lays about 10 eggs in an area selected for its high humidity and warmth. Incubation lasts from 28 to 39 days. In the fall, the young milk snakes hatch from their eggs. They are 5 to 10 inches at hatching and have the most spectacular coloration they will ever have. They are bright white or gray with rich pure red blotches.
Milk snakes are usually apt to coil, strike and bite when captured, especially during cold weather.
They strike with a short, forced hiss and try to quickly slither away and under cover when they get the chance. Even after they are picked up, they may casually turn and chew on fingers or the arm of the person holding it. They also vibrate their tails and release musk. Food Milk snakes feed on a wide variety of animals including mice, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, reptile eggs, birds and birds eggs. They are a type of kingsnake and will consume venomous snakes when they chance upon them.