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.

[jjhill001]

Originally Posted by 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.

How cold does it really need to get. Because I can't keep them in my garage because people who live with me are smokers. I might be able to get them to a buddies house who keeps his house cold all the time and just leave them there for a couple months but I'm not really sure what to do.

[Andy_G]

Originally Posted by jjhill001

How cold does it really need to get. Because I can't keep them in my garage because people who live with me are smokers. I might be able to get them to a buddies house who keeps his house cold all the time and just leave them there for a couple months but I'm not really sure what to do.

50-60 without any temperature spikes if possible, 55 would be what I consider ideal. Certain breeders prefer closer to 50, however, and they definitely have the success behind them to justify it.

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by jjhill001

How cold does it really need to get. Because I can't keep them in my garage because people who live with me are smokers. I might be able to get them to a buddies house who keeps his house cold all the time and just leave them there for a couple months but I'm not really sure what to do.

How do you care for them now? A rack system? How many are you looking to bred? How many of the collection isn't breeding size yet but at least a year old? Do they share the same rack?

My guess is you could possibly just lower the temp on the entire rack system if that's what you have. Even the yearlings will be okay in brumation, however just expect them to take longer to get to adulthood.

[jjhill001]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

How do you care for them now? A rack system? How many are you looking to bred? How many of the collection isn't breeding size yet but at least a year old? Do they share the same rack?

My guess is you could possibly just lower the temp on the entire rack system if that's what you have. Even the yearlings will be okay in brumation, however just expect them to take longer to get to adulthood.

Nope, one huge planted tank for my female Baird's and a smaller tank that's decorated for the male. They are in my room so idk what I could do about that. To be honest I'm kinda thinking that since I don't keep them very warm in the first place that they'll probably be fine to keep going through winter. From what I've read its the really warm temps that cause sperm to die and I might not have that problem due to the unique way I keep my snakes.

[jjhill001]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

How do you care for them now? A rack system? How many are you looking to bred? How many of the collection isn't breeding size yet but at least a year old? Do they share the same rack?

My guess is you could possibly just lower the temp on the entire rack system if that's what you have. Even the yearlings will be okay in brumation, however just expect them to take longer to get to adulthood.

I also only have the 2 snakes, when I got back into the hobby I did so with the thought of finally breeding some snakes because I'd thought of it so much. Then use whatever they make me to afford the next pair/etc. My new job will let me spend other money faster to expand but since I'm limited on space it's been a good idea for me to re-expand much more slowly than I really want to.