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[eddie]

Did you see anything like a hot rock in the cage?

I doubt it would be a burn from one due to the small area but is still possible.

Almost sounds like either multiple retained sheds that have constricted the flesh to necrosis, which can appear dark, like a burn may look, OR....
Could be a smashed tail as corns being colubrids are very quick and sometimes very jumpy and may have gotten its tail caught in a lid or door in an employees or other persons attempt to put it away.
[addsig]