Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

Sorry if these Indigo newbie questions are silly, but with the cost of taking the plunge I want to make sure I do things right and don't regret something.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of starting out with a pair that are already nearly 1 year and 2 years old, respectively, when I receive them? Is it more advisable to start out with hatchlings, allowing them and you to get used to each other at an early age? Or will that not make any difference, and the demeanor and calmness of adults won't be affected by raising them since they were hatchlings?

I'm going back and forth on getting a 2011 male along with the 2012 female I have coming. Or instead opting for adding a male that would be a 2013 hatchling.

Can someone with Eastern Indigo experience weigh in?

Thanks!

In general females take an extra year to mature when compared to males. I would recommend getting a 2013 male for your 2012 male. Good Luck they should do great!

I assume you are going to house this pair separately, whichever pair you get. That being said, my opinion is to get the youngest pair you can. They are just a lot of fun to raise and watch their behavior change as they grow larger and more confident. I do not handle my babies too much until they grow a bit and become less skittish. If you do opt for a pair, you can add the male to your permit application and save another $100. If the application has already been submitted for the single female, simply call USFWS office (or e-mail them) and request adding the male. If you buy a hatchling, just make sure it has eaten several meals. The babies are naturally snake, frog, etc. eaters and take a little time to get on warm-blooded prey.

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, I would house them separately regardless.

I don't want to jump the gun and get a 2011 male just because I can do it sooner than waiting on a 2013. I want to make sure I get exactly what I want in the long run. I could still add the 2011 male to the same permit and get it shipped with the female, but I don't want to do that if there are advantages of waiting a getting a 2013.

The advantage of getting older animals is obviously the ability to breed them sooner, whatever you get they are a joy to rear & watch them grow. once they get past their baby skittish phase they are some of the most impressive, curious & confident snakes around.
Most importantly is to get as unrelated a pair as possible so if you can get lineage info all the better. Apparently there are a lot of in bred Easterns in the hobby so shop around for unrelated stock. Otherwise good luck & enjoy your new snakes, you will not be disappointed. They are awesome!

Andy.

I totally agree. If breeding is your intention, the most important thing is not the age of the indigos you are acquiring but to make sure they're not overly inbred. Most inbreeding issues (ie. stunted growth, cardiac abnormalities and other anatomical anomalies) does not affect the animals until they are 2 plus years old. Some are fatal. Make sure the breeder can track their stock for several generations. They're are only probably six or so legal "founder stock," that can be traced back over 15 or so years.