Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just had to tell someone, and you guys here on the forum are the only ones I know who'd actually care.
My largest (7 foot)eastern indigo female laid 9 gorgeous eggs and three (apparent) duds today. I'm so excited. If anyone's interested, drop me a line. (I'm in PA) I'm sure someone here knows: are the federal permits necessary if snakes aren't sold, but merely traded across state lines? If anyone produces easterns, I'd love to trade to mix up my gene pool a bit. The parents are unrelated, by the way.

VinnyButch

Hi Vinny - Congratulations !!!!! I've been trying for seven years no luck. Best of luck. Hope they all hatch

Mark

Congrats...I still remember my first clutch of couperi; quite a magical moment. Now, six years later and still being blessed with a lot of success breeding this species, I still have the same enjoyment everytime I have a female lay eggs and when I see that first baby pip. I have a female getting ready to lay and my heart still pumps with the same excitement that it did the first time...these truly are some of the greatest animals on earth.

As far as permits go, you have to be VERY, very careful. Although the USFWS interstate commerce permit is intended when an indigo is sold across state lines, you even have to go through this process if, for example, you trade an indigo with somoeone else in another state. To be safe, I would give Victoria Davis a phone call to verify this. I have donated hatchlings to universities, museums, nature centers and zoos without obtaining a permit but I have a clear paper trail to provide. When you are "giving" animals away to private individuals that sends up a big red flag and something I would avoid.

Rob

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation (IL)

Congratulations on your egg production! Its TRULY a great feeling. Keeping our fingers crossed that theyll all hatch out. One hurdle down, three to go. Good to see a breeder trying to diversify his bloodlines. Keep us posted.

CHEERS

Fred Albury

Congrats!

Permits are required if you send the animals across state lines in exchange for anything, trades, cash, barter...anything. They are not required if you are donating the animals unless they are going to a state that protects them. You are supposed to notify USFWS of donations across state lines. However, as Rob pointed out, donating to individuals WILL raise suspicion and will probably trigger some investigation and verification.