Don't skimp on the cost of the cage; if you can't afford the proper housing, you would be well advised to consider a different species to work with (and that doesn't sound like the case with you so please don't take that comment personally). Although a fully grown adult indigo could live in a 4' x 2' cage, just remember that these are defecating machines who typically cover vast tracts of land in their natural element. As such, going with a 6' cage with extra depth and floor space will be fully utilized by an indigo. You will also be very happy in having a cage that is easier to maintain, provides a far better thermal gradient (another very important reason for a larger cages....indigos don't do well in conditions in which they cannot thermal regulate), and is all around much better for the snake. Just eat the initial additional costs for a larger cages now and realize that your indigo, if properly cared for, will live well into their 20's. As far as heat goes, that is a personal decision. I use flex watt, incadescents and radiant heat panels with good success. In your situation, an appropriately sized heat panel connected to a thermostat (making sure the snake has access to cool areas that go no higher than the low 70's daytime) with the cage being lighted by a good fluorescent will do the trick.
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL
>>I have another question for the experts. In your opinion, what do you feel is necessary for size of cage to breed indigos successfully ? I know that bigger is always better, but i'm trying to keep my costs down on the cages. I was looking into some cages from animal plastics. Would it be wise to go with the 48" x 24" x 15" or the 72" x 30" x 18" ? there is a big difference in cost so do you think the 6 ft would be better or 4ft ? Also, do you feel that under tank heat ( flexwatt ) or radiant heat panels are better ? I was kinda leaning toward the radiant heat panels because they don't seem to affect the cage above them as much when they are stacked like the flexwatt or bulbs.
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>>Thanks,
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>>Dave
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL
