Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've got two gophers(annectens), a "male" and a "female". Both have been probed by a veterinarian, and the "female" has a long tail that tapers evenly and the "male" has a shorter tail that is thick, then tapers very suddenly. I've compared pictures and the tail appearance matches up with their supposed sex.

Last year, they were both brumated, and I kept them separated until after their first shed. I would keep them together 3 days on/3 days off. The "female" appeared to chase the "male" around the tank. The "male" had absolutely no interest whatsoever. He ran.

So.. Here are my thoughts:
1. We have a mix up. "Male" is female and "female" is male.
2. "Male" is not interested in the ladies, if you know what I mean.
3. "Male" was too young.

What do you guys think? Have you ever observed a female being eager to breed? Does anyone have any tips on increasing my chances of eggs this year? Here's some basic info:

- "Female" was obtained April of 2010. She was sold as a male and guessed to be 2-3 years old. She hasn't gained any length since we got her, but she has gained some girth. Visually, it doesn't seem like a lot, but last year she weighted about 450 grams and this year she weighs 595, both post-brumation weights.

- "Male" was obtained May of 2010. Seller claimed he was 18 months old at the time, which I later did the math and realized that would've meant he hatched in December. From what I've read, that isn't typical hatching season, and because of his size when we got him, I'd guess he was closer to one year. That would mean that he was two years when we attempted breeding last year, which might have been the problem, though I thought age wasn't as much an issue with males. Anyways, last year post-brumation he was 312 grams and this year he is 360 grams. Not much change in the weight department, but he has grown leaps and bounds as far as length goes. He's smaller-bodied than "Female".

- They live in a 55 gallon tank. Normal temps on the hot side range from 75-80 and they generally stick to the cool side. Brumation temps are 55-65.

- They are offered adult mice and young ASFs every week, although they tend to like to eat a lot one week and then not eat again for another 2-3 weeks.

"I've got two gophers(annectens), a "male" and a "female". Both have been probed by a veterinarian, and the "female" has a long tail that tapers evenly and the "male" has a shorter tail that is thick, then tapers very suddenly. I've compared pictures and the tail appearance matches up with their supposed sex."

These are mixed up. your "male" is the female and "female" is Male.

As to why they didnt go last year I have no idea. Best of luck this year!

I knew it >.< Silly veterinarian. I pay $20 for a probe each and I probably should've just taken them to a show and got em probed for free. I guess I got confused because everything that I read said that males have long, quickly tapering stubby tails and females have evenly tapering short tails. Well, the one has a quickly tapering short tail and the other a long evenly tapering tail. I hope I'm not the only that's gotten confused. LOL.

I have been working with a San Diego's for many years.
The best advice a got from a Veteran San Diego breeder. He said, to keep them together all the time, only separate them to feed.

My experience is to keep them together as much as possible. Its always good to have several pairs and keep them all together. Add a moisture hide box with lots of moss. San Diego's are late breeders and tend to breed around week 10-14 after warm up. Another thing I notice is most of my SDs didn't produce or lay eggs the first year when I tried to bred them. They did better on years 4 and latter. Keep them cool around 76-80 degrees with a hot spot as well.

Don't give up, you'll probably have better luck this year.

Jason

So, does this mean that we shouldn't keep them separated until their first shed? They've already been separated all winter, so hopefully this doesn't have a negative impact, but they are coming out of brumation on Sunday so we should just put them in the same enclosure when they come out?

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I'm crossing my fingers that it works!

Cynthia

I don't go my by first shed rule with Pituophis, mostly because they are late breeders. They most likely will breed around weeks 8 - 14 after warming up. You'll be ok, just keep them together for the first 4 months.

Good luck

Jason