Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am currently attempting to breed a pair of 5 year old Eastern Indigos of Robert Bruce stock, and am looking for any information that may help me in this endeavor. I have read most all the material online that I can find, as well as Robert Bruce's article in the Reptile magazine.(circa 9/2011) I really want to do well with these snakes and have taken much care in observing all of the heat and feeding protocols as I can, and want the best for my Indigos. I would truly appreciate any advice that could help me to better care for and breed these beautiful snakes! Thanks in advance.

Tiamat, your query is general to the extreme. What are you seeking? They are certainly old enough, presumably large enough, approaching 6 ft.? They are paired up and supervised, and you are sure you have both sexes, Yes? They have good body mass, but not obese, and your chances are good of them breeding. I assume since you raised them for 5 years they are at appropriate temps and you provide the basics of good husbandry. Keep trying, introduce them, give them some time away to feed, and re-introduce. Be sure to supervise, often they are gentle and get along, but sometimes it can get real nasty in a heartbeat, and when you least expect it. When the time is right, they know what to do. Good luck, Vic

Im sorry for my Vagueness. Just starting out here. Unfortunately I bought these two animals in September at the Anaheim NARBC show and am just getting into the world of Indigos. I have always wanted a pair and am very greatful to now have them. Unfortunately, I have not had the entire year to regulate temps and such, so Im guessing I am taking a shot in the dark hoping to breed them this year. They are definitely a breeder pair, I have their assigned serial numbers issued by Robert Bruce, have been in contact with their previous owner, they have fed quite well most of the time, up to 10 adult mice for the male and 4 small rats for the female), just had the female shed this past weekend, and started putting them together 2 nights ago. They have stayed close to each other but remain curled close by to each other but not "getting together". Just need as much information as anyone may be able and willing to pass on to me as there seems to be very little info out there to find. Thank you again for your assistance in advance!

Hi,
I have just had matings from two pairs from Robert Bruce, a red throat pair & a black phase pair. My first time breeding Indigos. i feed them separately then introduce the male into the female, this way neither will see the other as food.
I have not had any issues & both females have been mated several times. i do this every week until the female is obviously gravid. if your female has just shed the male should be attracted & copulate very quickly. Sometimes you may never see them mate but try to observe them as often as possible.

mine are both between 5.5-6ft & at least 2000g

Good luck

Andy

how long are you waiting between feeding and mating attempts? Mine just ate today. (12/14/12) my female shed about a week ago and I still have it as it was a one piece shed for the most part. Any other suggestions as well would be appreciated. Thanks again.

SUCCESS!!!!!!! My Eastern Indigos are breeding right this moment!!!! Thank you guys for your help. I truly appreciate the info. I do have another question though......how many times would you put them back together to help ensure healthy fertilized eggs. again this is their first time breeding! Thanks again guys and gals!!!!

No correct answer to your question......I believe it should only take one GOOD hit,.....so to speak, but I would wager a GOOD female in her natural environment would attract lots of attention from "READY FOR FREDDY" males within the appropriate distance........feel free to toss your own two SCENTS..... So to speak......."GETTER DONE"......to quote a famous patriot

So my two Indigos mated for 12 hours in their first go at things! Really excited and had to pass it along! Still looking for as much advice as I can get! Thanks all!

With all my matings, be it Indigos, corn snakes, kings or pythons i put them together once per week for a few days, separate them to feed both if they will eat then put them back again for another 5-6 days.
I keep doing this until the female is obviously gravid. This method has worked many times over the last 20 years of breeding. I Dont always get to observe actual copulation as happened this year with my Giant Madagascar hognose but it works well for me.
I observed my Indigos this year mating several times & as Bob said one good session should do it but it does no harm to let them have a few sessions.

Good luck
Andy.