Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This year has went well with my southern pines I had 7 eggs and all hatched. My question is since this year was their first year breeding and they proved out just fine so can double clutching be done? This week was tempting for me to put the male with a female again They have been fed quite well.

Possible? I am sure. Probable? I don't know.
I bet it doesn't happen very often in the wild due to limits of resources but I bet you could attempt it with the right timing resources and support. I guess you would then have to ask yourself why and at what cost to yourself and your female? If you can answer those questions then you know where to proceed.

cheers,
daveb
-----
in the light, you will find the road...

Well Dave the only reason why is because i want to see some more of these hatchlings and i just simply love southern pines and that's about it In the back of my head saying wait until next season just in case.
First time breeding pits other than other snakes seems that i am getting more hooked on pits!

I have experienced double clutches in almost all groups of Pituophis that I work with so I would guess that southerns are no exception. With that said, I must state that these were efforts on the snakes' part and I did not try to get a second clutch. when it happens it seems that the second clutchs are laid about 40ish days after the first clutch. In my experience it is very, very taxing on the females and despite the temptation probably not the best idea with regards to the mother's health....IMHO....................

Thanks for the input I am going to save it for next year to breed again. can't wait to see if there will be any or more than one "lucy" that was unexpected for me to see from them for this year.