Question on buying bloodreds

[kismetc]

I have decided to focus on bloodreds and lavas, because otherwise I would try to have a few of every variety, lol.

Anyway, I am looking for REAL bloodreds, not just diffused normals. I want RED snakes, preferably the deep burgundy look that some have. I have contacted Kathy Love and I intend to send a deposit for a pair or two of her bloods this year. She is good about letting people pick and choose the individual snakes they want, in spite of having so many hatchlings to care for. I also know about Don Soderburg and I'm thinking about ordering a pair from him (the reason I hesitate is because he is not in FL and I don't know if he is able/willing to send individual pics of each snake so I can pick my faves. Years past, I just trusted the breeder to pick out a nice pair for me and that worked out OK, but I am planning to sell most of my "normal" corns to reduce my numbers and replace them with a few of the best I can find.)

Basically, I would like to support smaller breeders if given the chance. I am sure that there are GREAT small breeders out there that specialize in bloodreds enough to offer the quality I am looking for, possibly even combining many of the best bloodred lines available. Unfortunately, I am looking for good bloodreds at a time that many people are outcrossing them to make new varieties. I don't mind hets (I have seen some great bloodreds out of pewter lines, for example) but the ones that have been extensively outcrossed to produce lavender diffuse and everything else under the sun seem to be mostly "normal" looking vs bloody in color. I can't seem to remember the people that I have heard about that specialize in bloods, I would like to compile a list to keep for reference if possible. Thanks!

charlene