Breeding WC snakes

Dirty · 02-21-05, 01:09 AM

After the weather warms up and the snakes come out of hibernation (I'm in Utah) I plan on catching a few for temporary pets. If I were to put males and females together, would they be likely to breed? I'm not planning on keeping any permanently, I would just like to breed them if possible. Some of the snakes in my area include wandering garter snakes, great basin gopher snakes, and rubber boas.

dave68 · 02-21-05, 02:55 AM

Wow, that's the same snakes we have locally in the okanagan, BC Canada!! As for wanting to catch and keep any, I would check with your state laws first as it is illegal to keep any of these here. You should just buy a captive bred pair of snakes that you like and breed them, much better chance of success and much less stress to you and the snakes. Just my opinion.

Dave

Dirty · 02-21-05, 05:24 PM

I have checked the laws it's ok here

as long as you don't try to sell them

HeatherRose · 02-21-05, 05:45 PM

Why not just leave the wild snakes in the wild? How do you benefit them by pulling them out of the wild and breeding them in captivity unless they're an at risk species?

Observe 'em, take pictures, keep notes... enjoy them that way

Dirty · 02-22-05, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by HeatherRose
Why not just leave the wild snakes in the wild? How do you benefit them by pulling them out of the wild and breeding them in captivity unless they're an at risk species?

Observe 'em, take pictures, keep notes... enjoy them that way

I dunno if I made it clear enough, but I don't plan on keeping the animals permanently. I will let ALL native snakes go, bred or not. I don't really see the harm in that...

Tim_Cranwill · 02-22-05, 12:17 AM

So, you will catch and release the snakes? That is even worse (believe it or not) and that's not even mentioning the babies. Sorry, Dustin but it's not a good idea. If you want to breed something or keep a pet, buy one. At the very least, you'll have a better (as far as pets are concerned) animal and not mess with nature.

Dirty · 02-22-05, 02:09 AM

How is that worse? I'm not arguing, just curious

CamHanna · 02-22-05, 08:40 AM

By bringing wild snakes into your house you could conceivably introduce them to domestic pathogens or parasites. When the snakes are released these pathogens or parasites could spread to the wild population.

gonesnakee · 02-22-05, 03:56 PM

Something about someone grabbing me & throwing me in a small cage for their entertainment for a while, that just doesn't seem too appeasing, Mark

reptilesalonica · 02-22-05, 04:06 PM

CamHanna has the right point.

gonesnakee, it would be great if all the times we could deal with CB reptiles only.
So many times breeders use WC animals in their breeding programs, so you (and me, and others) can have clean bloodlines in our collection

~Greg~

ydnic · 02-22-05, 04:13 PM

I agree with greg - that is where all clean bloodline originated from

Tim_Cranwill · 02-22-05, 04:22 PM

The wild <b>is</b> where new bloodlines originate from but that is a whole other issue than catching, keeping and releasing. That's the main issue here... at least from where I stand.

dave68 · 02-22-05, 04:36 PM

Me too Tim!!

Dave

MarcB · 02-22-05, 04:49 PM

The spread of pathogens and parasites to your captive herps should be enough to convince you not to do it.

The bad bugs can very easely migrate to your stock...

ydnic · 02-22-05, 05:09 PM

Thats right Tim - there is no reason to do that - infact to put it bluntly it would be idiotic