Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a few questions:

1. What temperature range is ideal for brumation?

2. Is 3 months the typical period?

3. Anything else I should know?

Thanks

Buy yourself a copy of The General Care and Maintenance of Common Kingsnakes (The Herpetocultural Library) by David Perlowin, published by Advanced Vivarium Systems (may have changed by now). Amazon.com has copies for under $10, and used can go for under $5. I have a copy and consider it well done with a good chapter on breeding, though it's been a while since I dipped into it.

I've not bred kings, but 55 F is a pretty good choice for most North American colubrids for 2-3 months.

Dropping straight from normal activity temperatures to brumation temperature is a good way to kill a snake. You have to harden the snake. I'd keep the snakes at normal activity temperature for two weeks without food to let them empty the gut. Then drop them to 65-70 F for two weeks. Then drop the temperature to 55 F. Keep water with the snakes and replace it weekly. Keep in total darkness if possible. Wait 2-3 months, then raise the temperature to 65-70 for a week, and then return to normal activity temperatures.

The above is based on my formula for breeding bullsnakes. I only stuck it in because nobody else has responded. Perlowin and other king breeders may do things a bit differently. Where they differ with this, follow them.

By the way, male bullsnakes seem to require two brumations before they have viable sperm. I don't know if male kings have the same problem, but I'd advise planning this as a two year project. Then you won't be discouraged if nothing happens til the second spring. And you can be pleasantly surprised if everything clicks the first spring.

Good luck.

Paul Hollander