Black ratsnakes aren't so very different from Texas rats - or corn snakes, for that matter, save that they grow larger.

They'll need more space and larger prey than corn snakes, of course, but enjoy similar temperature and humidity requirements.

IIRC, they're the northernmost of the ratsnakes. I wonder if that's got anything to do with their color - black would help absorb sunlight & heat for basking in the cooler northern summers.

HTH, and good luck with that abcess!

~Bruce