Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im wondering if this is timed correctly.

I had one of my pairs together sometime around the 24th of Dec...I did not witness copulation, but that obviously doesnt mean that none went on.

Today (1/6/04) That female made a complete shed.

I did not notice large swelling or anything really related, however I didnt look really good...

Is this timely enough to be breeding related, or just a coincidence?

Thanks
Chris

It sounds to me like coincidence at this point. In my experience with dumerils, they're pretty prolific breeders, and if your paying much attention to them at all, you'll witness courtship and copulation. Good luck!

Paul

Let me get this straight... And I'm assuming these are breeding age snakes of good health and pedigree...

1) Your 1.1 dumeril's boas were together around the 24th of December 2003. Where they separate prior to that date?

2) You did NOT witness copulation. Did you witness any courtship behavior? Did you check on them at all? When I put my 1.1 together I have a hard time giving them any privacy at all. I'm in there putting on the Barry White and lighting candles and stuff.

3) Two weeks later or 6 Jan., 2004 the 0.1 shed.

4) You didn't look closely, but you didn't notice swelling. I haven't noticed swelling in my 0.1 until a few months into it, and then I have chalked it up to wishful thinking a number of times. Usually, I give up hope right before babies drop.

5) Your question is: Is the shed breeding related? Or: Is this the right time?

Ok, here's what I think: Since you don't seem to keep a overly watchful eye on your snakes, then breeding MAY have occurred. A shed is common following fertilization (allowing for or induced by swelling), but not a determining factor. I assume that the 24th was the date they were introduced because otherwise that date is arbitrary. Based on my limitted experience, I would say that you have a 50/50 chance. Sorry, evidence is inconclusive to say otherwise.

My pair of Dumeril's were introduced on 8 Dec. and went right to it (all night). About three weeks later she shed, but a week later he did too (see how that is not a determining factor? He is definitely not gravid, but shed about the same time. Granted, he may have lost some weight with all of that activity...). Your intro timing seems right on, if a little late. Like I said, the next 8 months will be a roller coaster even with overwhelming evidence. Good luck,
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Zoodude

"Just because I'm paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't after me."

Most people still range dumerils from 4-9 months. I have kept very careful records and determined otherwise. People can put dumerils together in April, July, November, February...pick your month, you'll probably get courtship and copulation. I have gotten both in EVERY month of the year. Did the copulations take? NO, not nearly all of them do. It seems females seperated from males too soon will eventually ovulate, and then you can start keeping track. You'll usually notice some inverted body posturing followed by a shed. Last season, 4 females all shed within a week of delivering. The average gestation period for each female was 4 months...after ovulation. Overall, males kept with females will lose interest, I then seperate them and keep re-introducing them until I am sure the female took. So, the fact that his female shed a couple weeks after he put the two together, I would say is MORE THAN LIKELY pure coincidence not a 50/50 chance of relevancy. I've never not witnessed any courtship/copulation with my dumerils. For ease sake, keep introducing until your male shows no interest in breeding your female any more. You may argue the gestation period with me because of something you read in a book somewhere, have at it....there are no good books on dumerils boas. If you look at the Reproductive Husbandry of Pythons and Boas you'll find it states BCI take up to 9 months as well, and we all know this isn't true! What you do find on Dumerils is generalized generic information. Best of luck to all of you with your dumerils. Take care.

Paul