Black snakes...

[m00kfu]

So I seem to be dead set on adding a black snake to the collection in the next year here. I really like the black mexican kingsnakes, but we've already got a couple corns and they seem too similar -- I'd like to expand a little and get some different species. Indigos REALLY caught my eye, but the hassle of getting one, and then cleaning up after it ALL the time knocks it out at the moment. That leaves melanistic eastern hognoses from what I've seen. The only problem is that I'm having trouble finding anyone that is actually producing these little black beauties. Sooooo, I'm hoping someone could point me in the right direction of a breeder working with these.

[twh]

chad fuchs (www.cfsnakes.com) works with hogs,if he doesn't have any i'm sure he would be able to point you in the right direction.

have you considered a black milk snake? born as tri colors slowly turning black they are fun to work with.have fun!

[FloridaHogs]

Only issues with the easterns is that they are hard to convert to mice, and there are not a lot of CB available. Also, they are considered endangered in many states, so check your laws first. Easterns are also not born black, so it is a crap shoot as to what they will actually look like as adults. The genetics of them has not really been studied.
Just about any adults you find will be WC animals, so be careful.

[m00kfu]

Well I guess that knocks the idea of a black hognose out for a while... maybe I'll keep my eyes open for a snow hoggie.

Tim, I had thought of a black milk snake -- I remember you had some at Grand Rapids when Connie and I picked up that pastel from you. I guess I kind of lump corns, kings, and milks together for the most part as far as appearance goes.

[twh]

oh ok i didn't connect you with your handle.

BTW that's a awesome rack you made,when you come out with the aluminium model i want one.have fun!

[frankykeno]

I've always thought Black Milksnakes would be an interesting one to own. The whole color changing thing fascinates me. As well from what I understand they are one of the biggest of the milksnake group and oddly enough, one of the few snakes where the males outsize the females.

[m00kfu]

I've always liked the color changing thing also. After looking around a little bit for some information on them, the black milksnakes do sound like a pretty cool snake to keep. Sorry black hognose, hello black milksnake!