Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What is the average length of time it takes a black milk snake to completely lose their red and white colors. Thanks

I have some 04's that are close but still have some light area around the head and faint bands up front.Some of my adults would be impossible to find any trace of juvenile color and are solid black.The jury is still out on some others.

I was told initially one year. Have not found that to be true but my experience has been that by a year they have usually gotten VERY dark.

Some may never turn completely black and if you are looking for perfection like I am it can be a little fustrating but an ALL black animal is a sight to behold. It's not that they are just shiny/glossy black, it's that they have a rich black pearl sort of finish that is something to see in person, and along with slow Boa like deliberate movements, a natural reluctance to do that kingsnake "chew on you" thing and nice dispositions, they are absolutely awesome.They also seem to be very dense/heavy muscle wise compared to some kings of the same general size.

Mexican Black Kings are excellent for having immeadiate black gratiication and very nice snakes( a favorite)But Black Milks are really Black not very dark brown like most MBKs and are much glossier. Both are great snakes IMHO.