Yes since they are opportunity oriented they have a varied diet. Some wild sources of Carotenoids of which there are 600 contain the color which makes some redder than others. If a youngster has had a first meal of grasshoppers (which contain the same red in their exoskeleton as lobster) red when boiled, might get a jump on the red game likewise switching to lizards that feed on grasshoppers again, source for red. The highest concentration of these Cartenoids are found in first certain insects, secondary hosts are lizards, birds and Bats. Rodents seldom have these carotenoids in great amount. You will find red and pink specimens in populations of otherwise brown specimens. Since I have been raising coachwhip snakes for 12 years now I have noticed (1), wild red specimens fade to a dull pink within two years. (2) when supplemented will turn bright pink or red again. (3) hatchlings with no supplement will not color up well. (4) with supplement will start expressing red as hatchlings once feeding. (5) I have had two year olds that were still brown without supplement. I have been using two nature exact carotenoids not carotene as in carrots but nature exact Carotenoids that mimic an insect diet rich in red color. The interesting thing about Carotenoids is that an animal can manufacture vitamins by using the carotenoids found in it’s flesh and skin. Carotenoids are not vitamins but like beta-carotene your body can use it to make vitamin A. The second benefit is it is used for reproduction. Ever notice how orange a wild egg yoke is? Ever notice how red salmon eggs and flesh are? That is the color of the nature exact Carotenoid and yes increases fertility big time………..Bill


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