Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a Mexican Milk female (aka annulata) who has always been a problem breeder. With most of my annulatas, I put the female in the male’s cage after the first shed from the cool down, they lock up, the party begins, and with a little luck I have eggs in 60 days.
For some reason I can never figure out when this particular female goes into estrus. What applies to every other female milk I have, doesn’t apply to her.

She still hasn’t shed but is starting to act very strange. She is moving her body in a jerky motion and shaking her tail as if she were agitated like a hatchling.
Could this be a sign that she wants the male now?
Any input to my question would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jason

While she may not have as large follicles as other milks(relatively)likely due to girth that other milks lack,they are very sensetive about subtle touches and smells.Especially if she has bred before,she will "get used"to breeding fresh out....and I have seen instances where the first breeding is almost violent due to this "anticipation".This is particularly important to note in snakes like this so that compatable mates are found(or incompatable ones avoided).Make sure to watch the first few introductions closely so that neither gets hurt,Jeff

I put the two together and imidiatly they started what looked to be typical courting behavior. Something made me second guess my female. I noticed she was trying to grab the male with her mouth. Also when snakes breed they line the tail together and then lock up. Im confused, dosent the male normally persue the female? And dosent the male also lift his tail when wrapping around the female?

I have breed florida kings, and in my experiance with them. The male would always grab ahold of the female with his mouth to pin her and have his way with her.

Could it be possible that my female is male and my male is female? My male has always been different colors than the female. Maybe during the cool down period his colors changed.

Snake sex appears to be very frusterating and im glad im not a snake!

Thanks
Jason

Male/male combat will be very similar to breeding activity and none will tail gape(a FEMALE thing).I suggest you double and triple check the sexes again and get back to us,lol.Jeff