Frank I know better than to spend time taking your posts apart but let me just say that I'm a rather experienced and accomplished breeder and have been for the better part of 20 years.

I like the choices concept only because it provides opportunity to observe more behavior. That said all I have done is allow for "bonding" (communal housing), increased the thermal gradient by about 5 degrees in each direction and provided multiple hides which basically mimic the thermal gradient plus add a humidity element.

Also while I admit that in the prior two years I was not invested in getting actual results this year I am and have been going 100%

Also as far as the thayeri go I've got a mix of older breeders that I was quite successful with prior to changing protocols as well as younger animals that have known nothing else. Both groups have done poorly.

Health wise everyone looks great! I'd even say they're happier but the males are not hitting it. Like I said they are either on the heat digesting the increased food they're taking or are constantly courting females who are also on the heat digesting food.

Note that I'm not having bad results all around. I just came home to a clutch of good eastern king eggs and expect another good one after that. The bairds rats look like they are a go too.

The thayeri however have been a bust three years running. Odd because I thought of all the animals I work with they're the most associated with more rocky habitats that would facilitate non seasonal activity in the wild.

As far as adjusting this protocol, believe me I will. Things are going to remain the same except that they're going to get the proper cycling via a hibernation period and they are going to be kept separate during the breeding season (except for the obvious) with the males at a slightly lower temp and on a less vigorous feeding schedule.

Anyway still having fun even if a bit frustrated.
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