Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,

I used to keep snakes when I was younger (an eastern hognose, corn snake, garter snake, and a fox snake). Recently, my sugar glider of nine years died, and I was thinking of trying a snake again.

I'm very interested in, and have read up on, Black Milk Snakes and Indigo Snakes. I wanted to get some opinions and pros and cons to each species (particularly if anyone has had experience with both speicies). Easy maintenence is desired, but not necessarily a deal breaker. Mostly, I'd prefer a tame, companion animal species (at least as far as reptiles go).

Thank you.

First off ...Where are you. In a number of states (particularly in the south) Eastern or western Indigos are illegal to keep. Check your local state laws before attempting to get one.
As to temperment...Most Indigos are pretty good pets. The down side is that they eat like bottomless pits and produce the expected amount of waste. As they are BIG it creates a smell issue.

Black milks have no legal issues and are cleaner to keep but can be more nervous with some individuals than the indigo. Still...for the moment I would have to side with it.

Both animals can cost a pretty penny with the Indigo way up there...

Another option you did not mention was the western Black King. While it is smaller 4-5' it is less of a challenge on the feed bill and the wallet I see them usually around $60.). They normaly have a great personality.

All are great snakes,

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

I live in Illinois and see that there is a breeder not all that far from where I live.

Thanks for the advice and the suggestion.

Not long ago, I was in the same boat as you. I wanted a nice all black snake and was considering those species as well. However, as already pointed out they can be expensive and illegal. I opted for a Mexican Black Kingsnake (also known as the 'poor mans Indigo snake'). I'm happy I did. He's great all around and is a great feeder. They're inexpensive - got mine for $40.

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Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python
"Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa
"Gimli"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
"Indigo"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa
"Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa
"Arwen"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"