Indigo Snakes?

[NennaMeerkat]

Has anyone ever heard of keeping an Indigo Snakes as a pet? I saw them recently at our zoo and thought they were just wonderful. I am unsure on them being something that is viable as a pet since they are supposed to be snake eaters...but wanted to know all the same if others had seen them regardless.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

Recently someone posted pictures of there's on here... Dont know much about them though but people own them.

[Damion930]

Thers a couple posts in the colubrid forum they are purdy kewl I vant one

[Coffee Black]

Really cool snakes. Been drooling over them for a long while. Supposedly they one are one of the few, if not the only, snakes to form real bonds wrth people. You need a $100 permit for them if you get one out of state in the US. Cheapest they usually run is around $1000. This month's issue ( September in magazine world) of Reptiles magazine has a great article on them. Just got it today. Breeding section of the article is super interesting!

[reptile65]

Yep. People have them, but they're pretty rare and you need a permit to own one in the US.

Fun fact: They apparently can't unhinge their jaws, so you have to feed them fairly small prey items. I haven't heard of them being snake eaters though...

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

didnt know all this... You need a permit? why? do you know?

[reptile65]

didnt know all this... You need a permit? why? do you know?

I'm not 100% sure, but I think it has to do with the fact that they are native to the US.

EDIT:Just did some research and found out why you need a permit. Apparently you only need a permit if you buy one from outside your state. Generally if you buy one from someone in your state, you don't need one. The reason for the permit is that they have protected status.

Also, I did find some stuff saying they are known to eat other snakes in the wild. You don't have to feed them snakes in captivity though, since they eat a variety of other prey items.

[TeaNinja]

my 2nd cousin used to have a big female named jezzabel. ended up rehoming her to marine world.

[NennaMeerkat]

Fort Worth zoo talked about them being rattle snake eaters. We spent almost 45 min with the one there when no one was around. It responded to my husband drumming his fingers on the wood ledge outside its tank and came out. Seemed to really want to investigate us. Very cool snake. I could believe that it "bonds".

[Max713]

God, I've always dreamed of having an Indigo.
Supposedly, under the king cobra, they are among, if not the second most intelligent snake in the world.
They actual develop a relationship with their keeper!

There are negatives that come with them though:
-They require EXACT temperatures, and overheat very easily
-They need to be fed regularly, as they do not share the jaw structure of other snakes, they can't eat anything larger than their head, and need to be fed quite regularly. Negative to some, I feed my Tegu every day, its not a big deal.
-Their poo is best described as atomic waste... seriously. Their enclosure needs cleaned regularly.
-They are extremely active, and need plenty of space.
-The cheapest you will ever find one for is $800...

They are a protected species, actually quite rare.
All of these negatives... are so worth it! They are incredible!

Some recent threads on them:
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-colubrid-forum/87224-indigo-outside.html

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-colubrid-forum/86851-indigo-checking-out-bird-house.html

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-colubrid-forum/86077-eastern-indigo.html

[NennaMeerkat]

Oh I think they are so so worth having despite all those negatives. Heck most of those negatives are just something I consider with any pet. Feeding everyday, nasty poo, and need exercise...durn near sounds like a puppy! To me the fact that they can bond with you is enough to have one in my book. Considering they are a native species to Texas I have to wonder if I would need a permit to own one...I know people who don't need permits for non native much more dangerous animals.

[marionsclan]

The reason for permits is for the Government to control the amount of certain types of reptiles/animals to come into the States so they don't upset the current balance of things. And if indeed they are cannibalistic then they could easily wipe out or make a huge dent in the local snake population. So therefore their numbers are protected.

[NennaMeerkat]

The reason for permits is for the Government to control the amount of certain types of reptiles/animals to come into the States so they don't upset the current balance of things. And if indeed they are cannibalistic then they could easily wipe out or make a huge dent in the local snake population. So therefore their numbers are protected.

Oh I understand the need for a permit ;) Just saying that people own non native species all in texas...and supposedly those people don't need a permit. And I am not just talking reptiles either. Texas has some pretty loose animal owning laws. Which is one reason why I love living here.

[marionsclan]

There are negatives that come with them though:
-They require EXACT temperatures, and overheat very easily
-They need to be fed regularly, as they do not share the jaw structure of other snakes, they can't eat anything larger than their head, and need to be fed quite regularly. Negative to some, I feed my Tegu every day, its not a big deal.
-Their poo is best described as atomic waste... seriously. Their enclosure needs cleaned regularly.
-They are extremely active, and need plenty of space.
-The cheapest you will ever find one for is $800...



Well, just look at people wanting Babies.

- They need to wear caps to maintain the heat when they are born because they can't self regulate yet.
- They have a scheduled feeding schedule which, when not kept up with, can cause an incredible annoying sound to come out of them which they can keep up for a loooooooong time.
- Their poo has made grown man cry and need to be cleaned every few hours.
- They wiggle all the time and once they learn to walk take off in all four directions.
- And the cheapest you will find is priceless. :)

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

Do they really bond though?? that seems kinda unlikely for a snake haha.

[Max713]

From what I've seen, yes. I've watched many videos of them "choosing" their owner, a random person standing with the snake in their hands, with the owner standing among a group of people, the indigo will choose (reach for) its owner over others every time.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

wow pretty awesome im going to look into them more. Also they live in my area, pretty cool.

[NennaMeerkat]

I wouldn't doubt they bond. They have huge heads for snakes (like the Cobra) and might have a good memory all things considered.

Rats who get fed by one person over and over again will trust that person enough to eat from their hand while they won't from others who they do not know. Wild rats will take small bites of an unknown food to make sure it isn't poisoned...while tame rats will just EAT whatever someone they trust gives them. Technically you could get a rat to trust you and then intentionally poison it by giving it a piece of rat poison. It would trust you and chow down on the poison without thinking anything is wrong.

[Max713]

I wouldn't doubt they bond. They have huge heads for snakes (like the Cobra) and might have a good memory all things considered.

Rats who get fed by one person over and over again will trust that person enough to eat from their hand while they won't from others who they do not know. Wild rats will take small bites of an unknown food to make sure it isn't poisoned...while tame rats will just EAT whatever someone they trust gives them. Technically you could get a rat to trust you and then intentionally poison it by giving it a piece of rat poison. It would trust you and chow down on the poison without thinking anything is wrong.

Well, by that logic rat poison wouldn't work.
The mice in my parents barn would probably disagree, if they could :yes:

[NennaMeerkat]

Well, by that logic rat poison wouldn't work.
The mice in my parents barn would probably disagree, if they could :yes:

Rats are not mice...and over time wild rats learn that certain things will kill them. Rats live in colonies and will share "food information" by what is one their breath. They will go nose to nose smelling each other's breath. Now a rat dies in the midst of the colony from a poison...the rats come and smell the now dead rat and smells the poison around its mouth, stuck in its fur, or even smelled the rat's breath before it dies. The next time they come across that smell they will either outright not eat that smell OR will eat a very small amount (not enough to kill them) and then wait to see if it makes them sick.

Pet rats learn that good things come from humans, or at least a certain human. You give them good treats and they will trust you and take it from you. They will immediately start chowing down. It is like you are part of their community and one rat would not "feed" another rat poison.

Fruits, Veggies, Meats & Other Foods for Rats: A Look at Rat Diet, Nutrition & What Foods are Safe for a Pet Rat | Suite101.com (http://www.suite101.com/content/fruits-veggies-meats-other-foods-for-rats-a69931)
Rats and their Control - United Exterminating Company - Cherry Hill, NJ (http://www.unexco.com/Rat.html)

[Max713]

That is something I did not know! Does that mean for the most part, poisoning rats isn't effective? I've never had to deal with rats of any kind, not in the central oregon area.

I wasn't trying to be hostile and I'm sorry if you took it that way.

[NennaMeerkat]

That is something I did not know! Does that mean for the most part, poisoning rats isn't effective? I've never had to deal with rats of any kind, not in the central oregon area.

I wasn't trying to be hostile and I'm sorry if you took it that way.


Oh no hun I didn't think you were hostile at all! I knew you were just "debating" with me :) And I know most people don't study rats...I can't help it I love them to much.

And generally you can poison rats, especially ones that aren't exposed to rat poison. However take a rat in the city that is exposed to poison, traps, they are less likely to get caught...especially if it is traps they have seen before ect. Rats have EXCELLENT memory and while wild rats use it for memory of tunnels, food, traps, ect. Pet rats use it to remember tricks, friendly people, safe animals vs. not safe animals.

And I haven't tested this myself or looked for information but I *think* rats that are truly tame and trusting of people are less likely to "eat" a snake or even strike at one if fed live. It would be interesting to find out overall...but then I get sorta sad thinking about truly sweet rats getting fed to snakes instead of being a good pet.

[Lankyrob]

Oh no hun I didn't think you were hostile at all! I knew you were just "debating" with me :) And I know most people don't study rats...I can't help it I love them to much.

And generally you can poison rats, especially ones that aren't exposed to rat poison. However take a rat in the city that is exposed to poison, traps, they are less likely to get caught...especially if it is traps they have seen before ect. Rats have EXCELLENT memory and while wild rats use it for memory of tunnels, food, traps, ect. Pet rats use it to remember tricks, friendly people, safe animals vs. not safe animals.

And I haven't tested this myself or looked for information but I *think* rats that are truly tame and trusting of people are less likely to "eat" a snake or even strike at one if fed live. It would be interesting to find out overall...but then I get sorta sad thinking about truly sweet rats getting fed to snakes instead of being a good pet.

I dated a gorl years back who had two pet rats in an open cage. They would come to their names when called, would ONLY eat something given them by her - even seeing them pretty much dialy for a month they still would not take food from me.

They had total run of the house and would not go outside if the doors were left open, they always returned to their cag efor toileting and would sit on t=your lap or shoulder whilst watching tv - at night when she said good night to them they would return to their cage and bed down for the night. When we came in from being out for the evening they owuld be stood side by side in the hallway waiting for our return. Very very cute and intelligent aniamls.

[NennaMeerkat]

People honestly don't give them enough credit. Having rescued and had several rats as pets I know how clever they can be! Ping, my first rat who died after only a year due to cancer, got her name because whenever she wanted a treat or needed more food she would rattle her small metal food bowl against the side of her home. Making "Ping" noises. She would sit on my shoulder for hours and loved car rides.

The two I have now, Faye and Ed, are more bonded to one another than to myself. But they enjoy their treats and cuddles. Unlike Ping they like to stay in their home more than being out and about...real home bodies these two. Just recently they have started to take food from my husband, but have always taken food from me. They especially love it when I feed the dogs cause they know a few pieces of dog kibble is coming their way :) They also enjoy it when I am feeding KyJinn (my bearded dragon) cause they get the middles of the greens that I cut up.

[natsamjosh]

Has anyone ever heard of keeping an Indigo Snakes as a pet? I saw them recently at our zoo and thought they were just wonderful. I am unsure on them being something that is viable as a pet since they are supposed to be snake eaters...but wanted to know all the same if others had seen them regardless.

Indigo snakes are incredible animals to have as pets. They do require more maintenance (ie, large cage, constant atomic-bomb poop clean-up, etc.) than most other snakes, but if you are willing to put in the little extra effort, it's worth it for sure. Don't have too much time now, but to address some of the things in this thread:

1) In the wild, the vast majority of an indigo's diet consists of snakes and probably frogs. They will eat most anything, however, so some owners feed rats. Personally, I don't do that since I think they don't get the proper nutrition, but that's another discussion... :) I feed mine quail, rabbit pinks, fish, lizards, toads, etc.

2) Regarding permits, Federal law requires an Interstate Commerce permit if one buys a snake from an out-of-state seller. But some states also have their own laws. For example, it's virtually impossible to get permission to own one if Florida or Georgia. But here in North Carolina there aren't any laws.

3) I have no doubt indigos recognize and maybe even prefer their owners. What's really interesting is that they don't seem to have any fear of humans. Which makes them easy and fun to interact with. While I never recommend anyone to trust any snake 100% to not bite, I actually trust my indigo 100% to never bite. (Well, other than at feeding time, when he goes ballistic.)

I can blab all day about indigos, but I've got to get going. I'm working on construction of a tortoise pen, and it's supposed to get up to near 100 degrees and really humid. :(

Here are a few pics of my indigo. As you can tell, I love indigos. :)

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/natsamjosh/Jack/IMG_5656.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/natsamjosh/Jack/IMG_4572.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/natsamjosh/Jack/IMG_3366.jpg

This is one of the neighborhood kids who loves him also. He's a big hit with the kids on my street.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/natsamjosh/Jack/IMG_3812.jpg

[marvelfreak]

My buddy was checking in to this about a month back he wanted one bad. Then he see how much they are and change his mind real quick. Seen one for $800.00 that was the cheapest. Seen some as high as $1,600.00. Way out of his price range.

[Coffee Black]

Great Indigo pics. love that fancy outhouse you got there too. :-P

[natsamjosh]

Great Indigo pics. love that fancy outhouse you got there too. :-P

Funny you should mention that. It's actually my next door neighbor's. That structure is actually a garbage can enclosure. (The homeowner association Nazi's make us completely hide our garbage cans.) He put more effort into that garbage can enclosure than I've put into all of my yard projects combined over the last 10 years. I admire him for his work ethic, and he does a great job.. but a garbage can enclosure??? :crazy:

[natsamjosh]

[QUOTE=Max713;619143]God, I've always dreamed of having an Indigo.


There are negatives that come with them though:
-They require EXACT temperatures, and overheat very easily


Hi Max,

You are right on the money with the rest of your assessment. I hope one day you can get an indigo, they are awesome. Regarding the comment above, though, where did you hear this? In my experience, the temperature issue is one that is no different than other snakes. If anything, it's easier in that regard, since they don't require the higher temps that tropical species like boa constrictors require. I know one successful breeder that doesn't pay too much attention to temps, he just puts the heat tape on in the winter.

Anyway, I was just curious.

Thanks!
Ed

[ilovemypets1988]

have a look at this nenna: All About Your Pets. Eastern Indigo Snake. (http://www.all-about-your-pets.com/eastern_indigo_snake_4056.html)