Read About Eastern Indigo Snake

The Eastern Indigo Snake is popular as a pet, but it is also now in severe decline. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Eastern Indigo Snake - Facts

  1. Description:

    The Eastern Indigo Snake is a large, dark blue - which is almost black when it becomes as adult - snake that may grow to a length of 5-6 feet. It is the largest non-venomous snake in the United States.
  2. Varieties:

    There is only one variety of Eastern Indigo Snake.
  3. History:

    Eastern Indigo Snakes are found in the southeastern United States, mostly in Mississippi, Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
  4. Physical Traits:

    The Eastern Indigo Snake is black, with a patch of reddish or cream color on the throat.
  5. Other Defining Characteristics:

    Eastern Indigos are docile and rarely bite.
  6. Habitat:

    Eastern Indigo Snakes are usually found in dry, upland scrub areas.

Eastern Indigo Snake - Concerns

  1. Benefits:

    The Eastern Indigo Snake is non-aggressive, but is a very curious animal and is very aware of its surroundings.
  2. Liabilities:

    A permit may be required to keep the Eastern Indigo Snake because of its threatened status.
  3. Health Issues:

    If the snake is properly cared for, it can live for more than 20 years. Eastern indigos can have mites, but this is not very common. Another problem is an incomplete shedding of its skin. The snake's cage should be misted heavily when the snake is due to shed to help it along in the process.
  4. Specific Care Needs:

    Eastern Indigos are active in the daytime rather than at night. For this reason, they should be fed in the daytime once per week.
  5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

    As is in the case with all snakes, children should be supervised when near the snake, and other pets should not be allowed access.
  6. Special Household Needs:

    You need to be sure that the snake's enclosure has a lockable lid and that children and pets are not allowed near the snake if they are not supervised.

Eastern Indigo Snake - How to Choose

  1. What to Look for:

    An Eastern Indigo should be purchased from a reputable breeder. The breeder will be able to answer any questions you have about this snake. A healthy snake will have clear eyes, healthy-looking skin, active, and flicking its tongue.
  2. Supplies:

    Eastern Indigo Snakes will eat mice, rats, quail, and baby rabbits, which you need have access to an adequate supply of this food. These snakes need a source of UV light for basking, something to climb on, and a place to hide in their cage.
  3. Expense:

    The snake itself typically costs $350-$750. A federal and/or state permit may be required to keep an Eastern Indigo Snake in captivity.