House Snake Colours

[alexandsnakes]

This is sort of for Vanan, but for anyone else who has brown house snakes. Ever notice how they flush on their white bellies very easily? I was probing my red phase male and his cloacal region turned a bright pink right away. He's not damaged in any way, and it disappeared after he calmed down.
Then Vanan gave me a female house snake from his hatchlings (you're awesome V!) and she's currently assist feeding. As soon as I bring her out to poke a piece of mouse in her mouth, her whole belly turns pink from being handled. It's dramatic enough to obscure being able to visualise her heart beating (which I can otherwise watch through her transparent little tummy)
As well, my red male is developing patches of black scales - not just the odd black scale here and there, but big black groupings of scales. I'm not particularly concerned about things like melanomas since he's 9 months old, but it's interesting. Anyone else got a house snake developing dark patches like that? Or observe the pink flushing of an excited house snake?

Alex

[Vanan]

Hmmm...don't think I have ever noticed it myself. Yeesh! I'd assume that it'd be more visible in hatchlings as their skin is so transparent you can see the organs. Definitely something to look out for when I look at them.

As for the black patches, you should snap a pic and post it. Also, you don't have to thank me for the house snake. You're doing me a favour by providing it a good home.

[LdyDrgn]

I never noticed our female doing that, but then she is very calm and laid back anyway.