Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a pair of ratsnakes that were plucked by my kids as hatchlings off the side of my house. They've grown up some (the snakes, not the kids). While handling them this evening during cage maintenance, the female began cloacal gaping and twitching. Realizing she was in a hormonal breeding state, I put her with the male who immediately bred her. Since they were both collected on my house, I’m thinking about letting the hatchlings (if they materialize) go around the house. Anyone have opinions, pro or con, for doing this?

Regards,
WK

I wouldn't have a problem with it, the neighbors might. If you are somewhat rural, it would be ideal. I don't think you would be putting any pathogens out there into the wild unless you have other snakes as well.
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Todd Hughes

I say go ahead....why not.......they haven't been imprinted with human activity if you let them go right away and haven't been subjected to diseases and problems......yea maybe maybe they can get something from mom and dad from before birth ,,,but I'd say ,,,not really......

.....go for it.....nature says thanxx...

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also make sure you check your local regulations on weather or not it is legal to release babies into the wild. i know for colorado it is specifically spelled out that native species can be collected and bread, and babies can be released back into the wild. babies just cannot be sold. worth looking into because what a silly way to get in trouble, by helping the environment.

good luck
-T

in most states this is illegal.
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....

If they are the only snakes you have I'd say go for it. If they have been exposed to other more "exotic" animals from whom they might be carring pathogens wild snakes couldn't handle, I'd err on the side of caution and not release them.