Is Brumation Necessary?

[Andy_G]

I've bred multiple north american ratsnake species both with and without brumation. It is not a requirement but it gives both your pocketbook a break from feeding bills and the snakes' system a break from practically everything and breeding patterns are more predictible when brumation occurs. I must note that if you plan on brumating in order to reproduce, you must be able to reach temps cool enough, especially for the male to produce viable sperm. If that is not possible, you will have limited success. I (as well as many others) have found that no brumation is better than one at the wrong temperature in regards to fertility. I would argue that only a few temperate species require brumation to trigger ovulation and that ovulation can happen simply when courting occurs as I have bred everglades ratsnakes, corn snakes, a few different kingsnake species, as well as western hognose snakes as early as february with great success.