Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys,

My first post here, just wanted some advice on my male Indigo snake.

Basically, he makes slight whistling noises and it sounds like air is emitting from his nostrils. (Particularly when he is being handled or when he is excited e.g at feeding time).

Doesn't look like an RI, can't see any mucus from his mouth or nostrils, the forks on his tongue are not stuck together and he feeds like a champ.

Can anyone shed any light?

Regards,

James

I'm not an indigo expert by any stretch of the imagination but, in my limited experience, it sounds like you have a healthy & normal indigo. They tend to huff & puff sometimes when they get excited. They will also vibrate their tails & compress their necks.

Good luck!

PS, does anyone here know how to stay logged into the forums? I get tired of having to log in all the time...

Eric

James we actually get a lot of folks new to indigos who ask this question!

Does it sound like "shh -shh- shh- shhh" ...with a little bit of a whistle to it?

Indigos do this when excited. When they are nervous, or when they are looking for food.

I think every one I've had (and that's a lot) have done that.

Just keep an eye out for sneezing or mucous. Take a look in it's mouth for any excess mucous or chessey stuff...

But I'll bet your snake is fine.

Dean

Thanks very much for your reply Dean. There are few people who keep them over here in the UK.

Thats exactly the sort of noise he is producing. I haven't opened his mouth yet but he is feeding really well and there is no excess mucus out of his nostrils or round his lips.

That is a real load off my mind as I have become very keen on these beautiful snakes. Thanks again.

James

PS: I'm keeping him at about 82 degrees daytime and 70 at night - does that sound OK to you?

Young indigos seem to to fine at the conditions you mentioned...
but adults really prefer a gradient during the day.

They don't like to be forced to stay at 80 plus all day.

I've had snakes rub their noses raw trying to get out of a warm cage, and they've been know to regurgitate when in a warm cage for too long as well.

They prefer to have a cool (70's) retreat during the day, and a warm area to bask as they choose.