Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is a colling period necassary to succesfully breed Burms. I read a long time ago that most times all that is required is a change in their photocycle. I would appreciate any insight on this from those of you that have the experience in breeding. Thanks Todd

Although the prescribed method for consistently breeding burms involves a slight cooling and reduced photoperiod, I have personally enjoyed success breeding burms w/out any manipulation of environmental factors. As long as the males/females are sexually mature, have good weight (but certainly not overweight), and are in otherwise good healthy, it is usually just a matter of pairing up the animals. But, if you want to increase your chances of success, a slight decrease in temps will certainly not hurt. Heck, I have had excellent success breeding many colubrids (bullsnakes, various kings/rats) w/out any seasonal temp fluctuations...perhaps cycling is not as important as we once thought.

Todd,
I did not dramatically cool my Ball Pythons this year at all, and my albino male has already bred 5 females so far. I would say it is more the individual animal. CB animals will more than likely breed without "cooling" more often than WC adults. WC adults already have their seasons prgrammed in. There is much debate over this topic, and I am by no means saying don't cool them. If you have enough animals, try cooling some next year and don't cool others. See what works best for you.

Kyle Walker
Python Fever...There is No Cure!