Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 2 pair of brooks/florida kings which I plan to breed; this will be my first time breeding kings and I'm a bit concerned about their reputation for cannibalism.

All came out of brumation and have all shed late last week; they have all had three meals since coming out of brumations.

Questions:
1. How soon after feeding can I breed them? I figure the closer to the time they ate, they won't be hungry. Can I breed them the same day that they ate?

2. Do I need to supervise them when they are together to ensure they don't try to eat each other or can I leave them alone overnight, etc.?

Any advice and recommendations will be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim

This is a touchy subject around here, lol. Some here will say it's ok to keep them together year round so they bond. Others keep them separate. Which ever route you take, there's no guarantee! I have kept Getula together in the past which seemed to be used to each other and found one big fat one one day. Was it because I wasn't feeding them enough? Who knows it was a long time ago and I don't remember precisely what were all of the details. I do know they were together for quite a long time, then one day it happened. I am introducing my Florida Kings together as we speak. I watch them closely for a while. If the male is chasing but the female flees like her life is in danger, then probably no mating will occur. I would still leave them together for a while and check on them often. I would not leave them overnight. If the male is next to her and she is not slapping her tail violently and seems to lay there more, and maybe lift her tail, then mating will probably occur. You kinda have to read them, and get a feel for what's happening. I believe that even if the female deters any advances and shows no interest, it may very well be a needed stage to get her ready. You may have to do this many times over the course of one or two months. Some snakes ovulate later in the season. Introducing them is the tense part. Like Doug once said don't throw them in face to face! Let the male come along the female at near the mid section. You'll notice the fisrt time the meet face to face it's like an oh no, do I run or do I stay moment. Both should be well fed but neither should have a noticable lump. Especially the female or the excitement could make her regurge. also news paper is better to avoid substrate or dirt to get on the males hemi and cause problems later on. I'm sure others will add to this, but this is just my 2 cents, good luck!
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King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
Jorge Sierra

My Site > www.Sierrasnakes.com

I honestly would not feed AND breed the same day. A full stomach, with all of the excitement and physical activity of breeding, may make either one regurge. I waited 3 full days before breeding after feeding with great results.

If they are locked, I personally would leave them overnight. If not, I would take them apart and try again the next day. Although they are FL kings, and kingsnakes in general, hence their name, anything can happen. BUT, people have left them together overnight during breeding with no ill effects. I would say make the judgement on how things are, and how they are acting. But then again, even if things seem ok, you just never know. I recently was talking to a well known FL king breeder about this, and his experience stated that he has seen way more cannabalism between breeding CA kings, vs. FL kings, but he still even likes to monitor any and all breeding activity, due to them being kings.
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Genesis 1:1

Jorge and Discern - thanks so much for the input and taking the time to respond to my inquiry. I fed the gang well and will begin putting them together later in the week. I have my fingers crossed.

Thanks again,
Jim