Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone had their BCI develop an RI during the cooling process? Or does anyone even cool their BCI for breeding?

I was going by two other BCI breeders' advice, as well as David Fogel's book-so far everything has been telling me this:

Cool from 65-70 until New Years, try putting them together every 3-4 weeks.

So far... nothing. No interest at all. The female has good weight on her, the male stopped eating in september, so I separated them until a week ago, put them together-nothing.

Then a few days ago, I noticed the male has a bit of an RI when he hisses if I annoy him-otherwise, it is unnoticable.

He's in with the female now, I raised the temps back up.. looks like I won't be breeding them this year.

Could this be due to the fact the previous owner (and myself) kept them together 24/7?

thanks for any input,

-cat
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http://chaoscat.lowerground.net/herps/
My collection and herp photography

Consists of temperature fluctuations from a night time low,to a day time high,(this is often called cycling.)dropping temps to 65 at night,without exposure to a day time warm up in the upper 80's-low 90's can weaken the animals immune system,and,can lead to illness.In my opinion,65 may be a bit too low,I never cycle below 70,with 72 being my goal. the fact that your male refused food starting back in Sept.indicates that he was probably responding to seasonal cues initiated by changes in the natural photoperiod,(days becoming shorter,nights longer.)and,this is when I see some of the strongest courting behavior from my males. rather than introducing them every 3-4 weeks,introduce them in Sept. and,leave them together,slowly allowing the night time temps to drop below normal,with a warm up during the day,I allow this to continue until the females ovulate,at which time I stop the night time drops gradually,and,provide a warm spot from 90-95 which they tend to gravitate to. Animals housed together "24/7" will sometimes display what is called "cage laziness",and,show little interest in breeding,however,many accidental breedings have occured this way,so it's not to say they won't breed when kept this way,it's just that many people choose to house their animals separately until breeding season,so there is less chance of this occuring.I would bring the temps back up,and,see if your males immune system is able to regain its equalibrium,if not,it might be time for a vet visit...hope this helps,best of luck..."R"

>>Consists of temperature fluctuations from a night time low,to a day time high,(this is often called cycling.)dropping temps to 65 at night,without exposure to a day time warm up in the upper 80's-low 90's can weaken the animals immune system,and,can lead to illness.In my opinion,65 may be a bit too low,I never cycle below 70,with 72 being my goal. the fact that your male refused food starting back in Sept.indicates that he was probably responding to seasonal cues initiated by changes in the natural photoperiod,(days becoming shorter,nights longer.)and,this is when I see some of the strongest courting behavior from my males. rather than introducing them every 3-4 weeks,introduce them in Sept. and,leave them together,slowly allowing the night time temps to drop below normal,with a warm up during the day,I allow this to continue until the females ovulate,at which time I stop the night time drops gradually,and,provide a warm spot from 90-95 which they tend to gravitate to. Animals housed together "24/7" will sometimes display what is called "cage laziness",and,show little interest in breeding,however,many accidental breedings have occured this way,so it's not to say they won't breed when kept this way,it's just that many people choose to house their animals separately until breeding season,so there is less chance of this occuring.I would bring the temps back up,and,see if your males immune system is able to regain its equalibrium,if not,it might be time for a vet visit...hope this helps,best of luck..."R"

Thanks for the help. Right now the temps are back up and he seems to be doing fine. Guess what works for others doesn't work for me, huh?

I'll try your advice next year. I think this year is just going to be rosy boas, corns, and geckos.

-cat
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http://chaoscat.lowerground.net/herps/
My collection and herp photography

There's still alot of trial,and,error to boa breeding,and,you're likely to find as many "proven" methods,as there are breeders. my golden rule to boa breeding is: sometimes they have babies...and,sometimes they don't! *lol* in spite of everything we do! don't get discouraged though,that's the most important part of the formula for success!!!

>>There's still alot of trial,and,error to boa breeding,and,you're likely to find as many "proven" methods,as there are breeders. my golden rule to boa breeding is: sometimes they have babies...and,sometimes they don't! *lol* in spite of everything we do! don't get discouraged though,that's the most important part of the formula for success!!!

Thanks for the kind words! Its people like you who make me not want to give up trying to breed these guys when I get frustrated. Wish there were more like you out there.

-cat
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http://chaoscat.lowerground.net/herps/
My collection and herp photography

That means alot,and,makes it all worthwhile!