Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have recently acquired a new TX hatchling, first time experience with Drymarchon, I have been very pleased thus far but I did have some questions.

1. While he has not turned down a meal, he is a very shy eater. When a prey item is offered (F/T fuzzy) he will just run from it. If I leave in the enclosure for a few hours, it will be in his stomach. I have not experienced this in any other snake and can assume that it's not specific to Indigos - however, is this 'trait' common among young Indigos? I do wonder when he will overcome his shyness and turn int a voracious of a feeder that he is purported to be.

2. There are a few 'split (middle) scales' placed a couple of inches north of his vent. Is this normal or a small cosmetic flaw? I've read that it is normal from an unverifiable one source and I don't think it makes a world of difference but I was just curious and wanted to be sure.

Thanks for your patience and I hope to hear from you.

1. He will probably become more aggressive with food items once he's comfortable in his surroundings. The "rumors" are true, they are missiles, or as I refer to them mouse torpedoes.

2. If you read some of the threads below, you'll see that split ventral scales have been theorized to be evidence of a genetic flaw due to inbreeding. Doesn't necessarily mean you snake is doomed or will need tutoring in grade school, but it is something most breeders are making an effort to avoid through outcrossing if possible.

Dale

I can address the shy eater question, having raised baby indigos. Yes, initially the babies can be very shy and seem to eat better if undisturbed. Babies are sort of nervous and high strung, but if they are feeding well that is all that matters. After a couple months, they gain confidence as they grow larger. At that time they turn into the eating machines you hear about.

Thank you for your prompt responses,

1.The hatchling definitely is somewhat high strung, as I've read they often are when young. It's reassuring news that its typical behaviour is translating to his food-shyness, rather than some other factor. I've patience and I will definitely wait for him to come around to be a 'rodent-vacuum'. Looking forward to it.

2. I've had a look over and I can see that it's somewhat of a controversial topic. From visual memory, my hatchling's case is not that severe, but I guess the mere presence of the said split scale is an indicator nevertheless. I did purchase the animal from unrelated parents. I get home late tonight, but when I do - I will take a picture of it.

Finally, I was wondering if there were any good books on Drymarchon that you could recommend to me. I've done a brief literature scan, I have read what I could here and there but something to add to my 'herpetological library' would be great.

Re: a new TX hatchling

>>2. There are a few 'split (middle) scales' placed a couple of inches north of his vent. Is this normal or a small cosmetic flaw? I've read that it is normal from an unverifiable one source and I don't think it makes a world of difference but I was just curious and wanted to be sure.

scale flaws mentioned below are usually right around the vent, just north and/or south. split scales "a couple inches north" of the vent are probably the scales where the umbilicus emerged. these eventually grow together. most likely no need for concern.

matt

Well, here is the photo showing the 'splits' of the ventral scales.

There is a big gap between the few split scales and subcaudal area. I'd like to hear what you folks think. Regardless, gotta love that high-sheen.

1. your hatchling is taking f/t fuzzies when left alone...that is great, and it will become more agressive, I notice a sort of personality change at about 36", when they are seemingly bold and not fearful of imagined predators etc. It will likely feed more and more agressively with time. Tiny indigos indeed have a lot of dangers to face in the wild, I am not surprised they are somewhat "shy" and retiring as neonates, it makes sense.

2. I am inclined to agree with Matt, and that looks like an umbilical scar to me. I have seen many like it, and some do not dissapear over time, others may... The controversial split or single scutes- subcaudal that have caused so much concern tend to be less uniform, and often variable locations. I am guessing you have a genetically diverse and healthy animal there...I wish you luck, keep feeding it and have fun. Vic

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I had been obsessing about getting one of these majestic animals for a while and I'm very glad that I finally did. I cannot wait for him to put some size on him and yes I have heard all about their fanatic feeding response; a big part of the reason why I wanted to get an Indigo in the first place. I do love seeing snakes that love to eat under my care, it really is the quintessential joy of snake-keeping. It's been a while since I've felt about a new purchase this way, definitely a sign of things to come.

The breeder that I got him from has been very helpful throughout the process, if he happens to come across this thread I hope that he doesn't mistake my curiosity for suspicion of his practices.

I agree it looks like the umbilical scar, no cause for concern. They do become more aggressive as they grow & do indeed become waste disposals. I have 5 different Dry`s species & they all eat with gusto, although as neonates they are nervous & shy but this nervousness turns into boldness. They also have an intelligence & personality not seen in most snakes. Try to give them variety, mine take the following items.

Rodents, chicks, quail, fish, skinless chicken necks, roadkill snakes etc.

Enjoy,

Andy.

There is a paper describing indigo prey records published in the Southeastern Naturalist, 2010, by Dirk Stevenson and six others. The diversity of prey items will blow you away. Makes you wonder if the indigo's notorious egg-binding problems are not related to a pure rodent diet.