re: breeding question

[orion_dv8]

Hey all i just had a quick question about breeding, is there a definitive guide to breeding morelias out there, I have looked at several books on the subject, in fact bought a few and the information is all very general, likening the breeding of Morelia to Burmese breeding and whatnot. Does anyone have any particular nuggets of expertise they would be willing to share or allow me to pick your brains as far as tips on breeding IJ's? I have a 1.2 trio and am wanting to try my hand.
cheers
ORION

[Dom]

How about you ask specific questions your unsure about and I am sure many ppl here (including myself) that have bred Irians would be more then happy to answer

[orion_dv8]

What is the minimum size for breeding? What temp do they have to drop to, and for how long? Also do males get more aggro. than females once they reach maturity? What does the nesting box have to consist of and does photo period really affect anything?
cheers
and thanks
ORION

[Dom]

This is the way I have bred my carpets.. many ppl use slightly to completly different method .. so as I said .. this is my oppinion.

What is the minimum size for breeding?

The smallest I have ever bred was an 18 month old (wich is very young .. generally ppl breed as of 3 years old. At 18 month old I only got 5 eggs compared to 3yo that can have a good 10-20some eggs..

What temp do they have to drop to, and for how long?

This is my way of doing it; I usually always keep a day time high of 90 through out the year but during about 3 month, I slowly decrease my night time temps from 85 down to low 70's even 68F. I then slowy raise the temps back and start some introductions.

Also do males get more aggro. than females once they reach maturity?

I would have to say that sex is not a factor as to wether a snake is aggresive or not .. In my experience.. baby irian javas are born 90% tame, almost all coastals are born tame and almost every single Jungle carpets I have ever had are born agressive.. This is from my experience though ..

What does the nesting box have to consist of and does photo period really affect anything?

The nesting box for many is a box filled with partially wet vermiculite to offer optimal laying spots although I have heard and tried myself with great success to use shreds of newspapers as an eggbox .. the only problem I had was some newspaper occasionally sticks to the eggs..

As for lighting .. some use the light cycle some don't ... I always have.. 12 hour days and down to 8 hours days during cool downs.. with slow gradual changes from one cycle to an other..


I hope this helps you a bit .. again .. this is the way I do it ..

[orion_dv8]

Dom I am not 100% certain as to the sex of two of my little beasties and im afraid what i once thought was 1.2 maybe 0.3 would you be interested in doing some 50/50's with me, my animals well at least to me are gorgeous and my big female is quite large for an IJ so i think it would be a good trait to breed for.
cheers
ORION

[Dom]

Probe your snakes and check properly on your sexes..

Personally, If I were you, if you have 0.3 that is way better then 1.2 ...

Adult males are a dime a dozen .. spend 150$ on a male and you could technically get 3 clutches of eggs..

Or If you do it with me .. you're technically loosing half the babies although you save an initial 150$ investment that obviously will pay off..

Pm me If you'd like but I think its to your advantage to spend a few bucks on a male

Cheers mate
Dom