Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just warmed up my Brooski and want to attempt breeding for the first time. Both of my snakes have bred before for their previous owner. All has gone well so far but my hugh male refused to eat when offered last night. The female readily ate two adult mice. The male is bright eyed, appears really healthy but ignored his mouse. I'm wondering if she is ready to breed and he is hungry will he want to devour her? I don't want to miss her best opportunity and willingness to breed. I plan on offering her food again on Wednesday and will offer him also. I'm hoping he will find his appetite by then. Is this normal not to eat immediately?

It is totally normal for males to not be interested in food during the breeding season. Especially if he hasn't bred yet. Don't be alarmed if he bites and holds onto the female either. Often the male will grasp the females neck in an attempt to subdue her and mate. If it looks like total chaos with the female spazzing trying to get away you may want to seperate them. I would put them together and try to spend some time observing just what goes on. If they've bred before chances are they will go at it soon after being introduced. Hope this helps Tom

Your answer helped a lot. Thanks. How long do I leave the female with the male? Do I remove her after copulation conclusion? Or leave her for a couple days? Or what?

Daves post had a lot of good advice too. Most people will say don't leave snakes that are known to eat other snakes together without monitoring them. You have to think there's always a chance one may end up eating or killing the other. Sometimes they stay locked up for hours and you just have to leave them be. If you can it is always good to remove the male shortly after they unplug. I usually wait 2 or 3 days and introduce him again. Mine did not breed for well over 4 weeks after warm up last year. As Dave mentioned definitely keep records of everything and you'll have less to think about next year. Tom

check back with the previous owner, ask about his feed records and if this is something the male did regularly upon emergence from brumation.
you may also want to check the male's setup, he may not be warm enough. maybe try a smaller than normal food item to get him going
with the brooks kings after brumation, the female usually will shed first before becoming ready to mate with the male. if they both just "got up" it is unlikely that the pair is ready to mate.
regardless keep good records of what occurs this year ( and on and on) so next year you have records of how these animals behaved and you can adapt your breeding regimen as necessary.
good luck, brooksi are among the best.
dB