Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My boyfriend and I have a gorgeous, big, healthy pair of Brazilian rainbows that we hope to breed in the coming season, and I have a few questions for all those more experienced at this than we are. First, we am keeping humidity at a firm 80-90% all the time, have lowered their normal daytime and nighttime temperatures slightly, and have reduced their light cycle to about 8 hours of light in a 24-hour period - is there anything else we can do to make their conditions more suitable? Also, do you find cohabitation or introduction of the male to the female after a separation more condusive to breeding? Thanks!

Ashley,
. It sounds like you are trying to cycle them in preparation for breeding now. I would wait to reduce the temps and light cycle until next winter when the natural light cycle will provide the clues naturally. Unless your snake room is completely sealed from light they will still be getting seasonal lighting clues from the outside. Most of the BRBs born in the US are born from April to October. If we could cycle them during the summer and have the babies in the winter we would be able to sell them for higher prices because there would be less competition selling them. Their is a great financial incentive to breeding them during the summer but AFAIK no one has been able to cash in on this by breeding during the summer. A very very few litters are born during the winter but I think that you have a much higher chance of successfully breeding them during the winter. I have had the best luck alternately seperating and reintroducing the males during the breeding season. I seperate when the female is opaque and reintroduce as soon as she sheds. I also make sure to get them together during weather and atmospheric pressure changes. While the female is not opaque I alternate leaving them together and reintroducing every few days. Multiple males will provide an adavantage in breeding but I was successful with only one male the first year I bred them.
Jeff
Rainbow Boa Webpage

Jeff, thanks so much for your reply - my boyfriend and I have about 9 cumulative years of snake keeping, but this will be our first go at breeding, and I suppose we're being a little overly worried! We will definitely implement your suggestions, and thanks again - wish us luck.