Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have three '01 S.D. Gophers I want to breed next year, but I have some concerns. One female is four plust feet and very thick and has nice weight on her. However, she has not fed for about two months now! I've tried feeding mice and hamsters, I lowered her temps down to 78-84, still she won't eat! I've even soaked her in warm water incase she is constipated. I keep her in sterile conditions, she is 100% healty and active, nothing has changed in her behavior or environment. What can be the problem? She has gone on fasts before but not this long and not during the summer. The other female is a foot smaller but pounds large mice with no problem, I think she will be good to go. But, the male is the smallest one, he is only around three feet and half the girth of the females, he only eats weaned and is not of adult mice yet! I am hoping he will get to a good size before brumation, but he still will be considerably smaller than the females! Should he be as big as the females to mate? I don't want to put any of them through the stress of breeding unless they are all up to it. So what do you think? Thanks!

nz, a 3' male is plenty big enough to do the job......and concerning your non-feeding female, for a pit [or any snake] to go off feed for awhile is perfectly normal behaviour. they are not required to eat regular meals ALL the time like we are. she just doesn't feel like eating right now so don't worry [or worry her], she'll come back w/ a vengence when HER time is right. hope this helps......

for the help

website for breeding info. I would say the male will be fine for breding nex year.

Later-Del

www.kernreptile.com