Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys- I'm very interested in getting an indigo- I live on long island. I've obviously got a few questions-

1) What are the legal implications- is it a true pain to obtain a permit? What about breeding? If I eventually plan to begin a breeding program, are there more legal items to worry about?

2) How much do indigo's cost typically? Are there any recomended breeders?

many thanks for your help guys

nick
rhythmz13@aol.com

check out indigosnakes.com for a list of breeders.
Travis.

I also live on the Island, I got my Indigos from a NY breeder so I did not need a fed permit, I had to apply for the state permit, it took a little over a month, had to list where I was getting the animals & how I was going to house & feed them, Every year when I reapply I list any breeding success, the only problem I've had with NY is they're a little slow. If you buy out of state you will need a federal permit too. Last I looked when available they were around $400 to $600. Check out breeders on indigosnakes.com

The permit process can be a pain but it is just one of those inconveniences that you have to put up with in order to have the privilege in working with couperi (assuming you are talking about eastern indigos). Most likely, you will need a USFWS Intrastate Commerce Permit - that can take from 30-90 days...this is only needed if you purchase an indigo from outside of NY. Additionally, you will also need a state permit whether you purchase the snake from inside or outside of NY. In terms of costs, you can expect to pay between $350-650 for a single animal...there weren't many available this year and my indigos were in big demand as I am sure just about every other breeder who enjoyed some success (see indigosnakes.com for a detailed list of breeders, husbandry/breeder info, etc.).

Just because you want an indigo doesnt mean you have to buy an Eastern. You can buy errebennus or maybe a melanurus. I know a guy that CRANKS out indigos like it was nothing last year he had almost 100 indigo eggs! He currently has some blacktails that he produced. They are cheaper than Easterns (like 200 for a CB baby) and there arn't any permits you need to get. If you want to know more then drop me an E-mail and I can get him to talk to you.
alxclay@msn.com

I assumed this post was talking specifically about an eastern indigo (hey, to me, that is the ultimate in indigos). But you are right, there are other subspecies to work with and they, too, are very impressive animals. As far as your friend pumping out 100 dry eggs, not to sound pompous or anything, but I find that claim hard to believe (just knowing how much work it is to raise just a small "herd" of indigos that I work with)...but hey, if someone can produce 100 eggs of any snake species, high five to them.