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Why do black milksnakes turn black and when do they turnWhat color are they when they are Hatchlings2007-11-24 2:04:48Answers:

Nobody really knows why they turn black, but it is believed that turning black helps them absorb heat in their cool environments when they are older. As for why they aren't born black, it may be as a deterrent to predators when they are young.

They are born black, red, and cream colored and change gradually over a couple of years. Some never change completely, however. Right now my two Blackmilks are about a year old and are about 75% changed.

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Black ones are born black or grey. They come in several different colors (orange, grey, black.etc.) Some species of snakes are born one color and gradually turn other colors as they mature.

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Are you sure you aren't talking about a black rat snake, seeing as there's not really a snake called a black milksnake? Newborn rat snakes are a light grey or silver color with saddles or splotches on the back of a darker color. Gradually over the next 1-2yrs. The majority of the snake's upper body turns black, with some cross hatched markings faintly visible near the tail. I've raised rat snakes & milksnakes for many years & have never had a milksnake change color, but black rats do it all the time.