Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I have a 4 mo. old Texas Indigo that I recently moved from a 15 qt. tub into a 40 breeder. I have covered all sides of the tank to help him feel more secure.
He had fed every few days in the tub, and ate readily the first time in the new set-up. When he only ate one fuzzy mouse last time, I noticed that his eyes were opaque. They cleared about 10 days ago, but still no shed, even with increased humidity. He is very sluggish and shows no interest in eating. Am I worrying unnecessarily? This is my first Indigo. He was just trashing the 15 qt., but should I put him back in it or wait and see? Thanks much for any advice.

SteveU, you should be concerned, inappetance in an indigo is always a concern, and it reasonable to seek an explanation/solution. I have no idea your experience level, but the shed cycle is a concern. Is it possible the snake has a dried on shed, leading to dehydration and inappetance? If you aren't already doing so, I would think about soaking it in room temp water tub daily, or twice daily..it won't harm and may help if dehydrated or shedding issues. You might want to post a photo of your set up, and don't be defensive if some folks are critical, they want what is best for your snake. Be sure you have met its hydration needs, provided cover and maybe a humidity box etc. I have very occassionally had an indigo fast for no apparent reason i.e. breeding male etc. Just when I am sick with worry, both of them started again as if nothing had happened, hopefully that will be the case for you. good luck,Vic

Thanks for your reply. I have kept snakes for over 20 years, but this is my first indigo.
I won't be defensive at all about any comments or advice I get. I am very grateful that there is a forum like this with people who care about these animals' well being.
I do have a moist hide and the snake shed about 5 weeks ago with no issues. I checked my records (feeding, shedding etc.) and it has been only 6 days since his eyes cleared, if that makes a difference. I will soak him starting tomorrow. I have not found and droppings since he last ate 7 days ago, and he may be just a bit bloated, though this could be just my concern making me think that. He is alert when handled, but otherwise just lays curled up. My setup has a hot spot (under tank heater) of @ 82 and the cool side is @ 73 but he stays as far from the heat as possible. He actually feels and looks good, but there is no shed I can find anywhere. I'll work on soaking etc. but thought I'd give a few more details in case there are more ideas etc. Thanks again!

If he is staying as far away as possible from the "hot side", I would turn the heat off. Are you using temp gun to determine temps? It will do no harm to turn the heat off for a few days. Sounds like ambient temps are in the low to mid 70's, which is fine.

When I woke up this morning, my indigo had shed. It was 7 days between his eyes clearing and the shed. All of his previous sheds had come 2 days after clear eyes, and he was never so sluggish as this. I was quite concerned at these dramatic changes. He was just cruising his enclosure and quickly took a f/t fuzzy mouse!
I have cared for dozens of snakes, but this indigo is special. It was just a concern to see this shed go so differently.
I really appreciate the quick and great advice from this forum.
This is a wonderful resource to the indigo keeper.
Thanks!

That's promising news...hopefully you and your Texan are off to less worrisome times. It is funny how those of us who "worry" can be so "down" at something like this, and the simple act of feeding puts us on a "high"...I am a simple lot? Anyway, inappetance is always a valid concern, and you are wise to seek the reason rather than wait for a serious decline of health. Good luck, it should grow like a weed with good care. Vic