Hibernation and breeding

[LacunaCobra]

Is it absolutely necessary to hibernate them before breeding?

[Jeff_Favelle]

To hibernate WHAT? There is a TON of species within the genus Lampropeltis, which is the forum you posted in. Pretty hard to GUESS at what you're asking about.

[gonesnakee]

As Jeff states be more specific in your Qs & you will get better answers & less sarcasm too LOL Most kings will still breed irreguardless of being brumated (hibernated) or not. It is more important for sperm development in the males than it is for triggering ovulation in females. Basically they will most likely still breed but she may not ovualate, that would mean no eggs, or more likely the males sperm would not be as viable (good) & he might not be able to fertilize all or any of the eggs (if she has any)resulting in her laying slugs or mostly slugs (slugs are infertile eggs). Most California Kings can successfully reproduce without brumation if they were what you were refering too. Mark :p

[lucylou432]

It really depends on which species - think about where they live in the wild (eg up a mountain) and how cold that would get. If they naturally experience cold weather then they would most likely hibernate.

Try doing a search on google or yahoo - there is a lot of research going on now about whether hibernation is nec or jut a change in temp, light or humidity.