Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I finally got these pics up and I want to thank everyone for all their help with a picture challenged guy like me,lol. I really think this a new morph. Of course it hasnt been proven yet but I finally have pics to open the topic for discussion. I think this to be AXANTHIC,as I have found one other GREEN one and one much more typically ANERY from the same spot. He is an adult male and with that HYPO that was found earlier this year and the albinos finally getting established as cb, just maybe these easterns will turn the corner on popularity. Just look at the size of these guys huh? That is only 2 snakes I am holding.Anyways,still sore from the beating I got from not having pics yesterday.Be gentle,lol.Jeff

There are 3 milks in this pic.J

They don't do much for me as is...but that will make a damn fine looking amel!

I have always liked easterns, but their finicky reputation has kept them from being popular. One day, I will get up into their range and find one, and then I would be very tempted to keep it!

The other problem is that compared to other milksnakes, they are kind of drab. That doesn't help them much either.

I think Foxsnakes get the same bum rap.
-----
Chris Harrison
Central Texas

Most Easterns in collections or pics are found either from PA or upstate NY. These,on average, are drab and unicolor from montane locales. While there are some nice ones that intergrade with the reds in the TN area, I think the real variability can be seen in some of these locales which are just not represented in collections. I have caught red,orange,brown,green and anery from a single spot! There are a few guys that have some nice easterns but its also because of the NAME that others shy away. I know that there were some NICE ones found in MD a year or 2 ago(Cecil I think)and because of color alone others were eager to name them Coastal plains....which would be very wrong.
Easterns remain difficult because people usually find and keep either adults or hatchlings,both of these are difficult to acclimate in captivity.I suggest to EVERYONE without alot of experience to let these go! It is the yearling or mid-size milks that acclimate the best, and its from these that we should try and develop cb lines. I consider myself an expert and I STILL have a very hard time with these. They are not for beginners,not yet.
As for color, it is because they are variable that many people think that they are escaped corn snakes. To compare them to fox snakes would be wrong because I have not seen many nice colorful fox snakes. But after acclimating these snakes actually become BETTER looking after a couple sheds.
Add to that there are now a bunch of morphs out there to work with and I think more people will start keeping them. There are only so many albino tri colors that will look different with morphs,and this is one of em.Jeff

I dont think comparing them to Foxsnakes is wrong Jeff I think thats a good comparison. Foxsnakes are often a subtle colored snake and to those that like that they love them. Unfortanatly most people are only impressed with bright garish colors and thats why mutations are popular. My self I like snakes with lots of color as well but I also like snakes with awesome and interesting patterns and I appreciate subtle beauty like the Milks you posted. Have you gone back to that area to see if you could find more "Monster Milks" ? Are you ever going to disclose the locale ? Why keep it secret ? Of course I already know the locale but Im just curious if its an area thats being developed or maybe the population is small ??? Glad to see you got pics up finally ! lol

Keith
-----

Keith,good to hear from you there buddy.Long time.I will have to amend my statement at your consent because I simply have not seen enough individual specimens as adults,together,to realize their variability. I have seen plenty of adult milks though.Reds,orange,brown,gray,green and even purple(anery).
I have gone out there but will not publish the locale due to the fragility of the habitat. If they were found only in your backyard I am sure you wouldnt tell anyone where they are found either,lol. It is a special experience going out to the little island to find these BIG buggers.It is something I have found and can claim it,in a way,my own.This isnt greed,but to me its deeply personal and I would hate myself for spoiling such a serene experience as finding MORPHS in the field on a regular basis(obviously because of their small population).I keep waiting to find a albino,its only a matter of time.Jeff