Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got a sort of a thing for large black snakes, had a very large almost completely black rat when I was young, to this day one of my favorite snakes. Always loved indigo's, but living in S Florida, getting the permit is an adventure in itself. I think I have narrowed it down to black milks but wondering if there is any other option I may be missing. Also, Black milks are not easy to find here in Florida, is it because it is too warm here for them? I have looked at black pine snakes and they have keeled scales and do not have the shine of an indigo or B milk. Any info from those that have them or breed them would be greatly appreciated.

Beautiful animals but you have to be patient about the color change.

I have seen pics of Black pines that were surprisingly shiny considering the keeled scales. Again, like a black milk, the shaky question is..will it be Black/patternless enough for your tastes as an adult.

A friend once lent me a pair of Black rats and the female was absolutely shiny blue black.I wished I'd kept her( he offered) nice disposition too. Reminded me of a poor mans Boelens.
some Nigrita can be striking as adults and most are VERY laid back. A favourite.

You could check out the Indigo Forum. The guys there are real gentleman and proffessional. There is a subspecies, I believe Rubidus, That is VERY black and striking like an Indigo. I sometimes think I'd like to get a dry again just to be on their forum. Decent guys, can't say enough about how different their site is compared to others. good luck.

If you really like the Black milks you'd probably do well to do a search on past posts. There is a lot of people that know a lot more about them than I do. like PWEAVER, nategoden,DANN,etc. I've only been working with them for about 2 years, Some of mine have darkened alot and two in particular are beggining to calm and turn into "lap snakes"

I recently got an adult 2000 from someone downsizing. Black as nite,no trace of pattern. Mellow camper except at feeding time. Only around 4' no white showing between the scales, the previous owner didn't over do the feeding and since, I've backed off on feeding my others. DANN, who also keeps Drys has said If he couldn't have his Drys he'd be fine with the BMs. I see what he means now. They are like little miniature Eastern Inigos. Split rock has some Beauties posted. There are many reputable breeders now.

Thanks for the info, part of the fun of herping is talking to others with the same interests. Still getting info on a few breeders and will most likely get a pair after clutches hatch this spring. As far as waiting for them to turn black, actually, that seems like part of the fun, watching an animal morph is something that really intrigues me. I know what ya mean about a "lap" snake, my kids think that way of my ball pythons and cannot wait till my boas get big enough to not get lost in the pillows on the couch...LOL!!!Happy herping!!!!!

Hopefully I can figure out my new camera soon and send you some pics.I've gotten some of mine from Al Zulich, Steve Emerick, Don Soderberg and I'm told the recent adult is from Stu Tennisons line. Most of mine are San Antonio zoo stock. Cherryville farms also has a few different bloodlines I understand. Good luck. Bob.