Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey, i planned on purchasing an adult pair of brooks, but before they go into hibernation. They do go into brumation, correct? Well, if they do, when do they begin to do so? And i have a yearling i've had since she was a baby, well she go into hibernation also this year? Thanks in advance for any help.

Dan

Dan,
There is no need to hibernate (brumate) any snake unless you have plans to breed them in the Spring.
I do not brumate any of my hatchlings (unless they don't feed, but that is another topic) or yearlings. I only brumate the potential breeders.
I usually stop feed on Nov.1 and give them a good 2 weeks or so to clear their gut. You do not want to hibernate them with food in their stomach or it will cause problems and or death to your snake. Around the 15th of Nov. I turn off the heating pads and let them cool down to room temp. (72 to 75 degrees) Then I gradually drop their temps to 50--55 degrees. I keep them this way untilFeb. 15. Then I gradually raise the temps back up to room temp. (over a couple of days) Then I place them back on the heating pads on low, medium then high again. After a few meals are in them and the female sheds. I introduce breeding partners. I (not all breeders do this) put the female in the males cage so he can sense she is there. After copulation a few times I wait until I see the female gravid and put a laybox in with her. After her next shed (5 to 10 days) she will lay her eggs, Then the waiting and incubation begins.

Hope this helps,
John Lassiter