Reptile & Amphibian Forums

1. Best to introduce the pair to each other a) after the female's first post-brumation shed, b) after her second post-brumation shed, or c) other?

2. Introduce them by placing a) the male in the female's enclosure, b) the female in the male's enclosure, or c) it doesn't really matter?

I know these issues have come up before, but my resources (including prior responses herein) indicate that there are differences of opinion. Not to stir up a hornet's nest, but I would be interested in preferences and related rationale from those who have bred GBKs successfully. Thanks!
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MichaelB

I always introduce my alterna after the first post brumation shed that the female has. Some of the time or most of the time the female is reluctant. I will leave the pair together for one day then separate them for a day or so and keep re-introducing the female into the male's cage. I believe if you introduce the female to the male's cage you get a better breeding response. The male will sense the female in his cage. I also have had better breeding by removing the female daily then re introducing rather than leaving them together for days. Also it is dangerous to do this with many kingsnakes although Alterna usually are not cannibalistic (sp?) Sometimes you will have to wait for a second shed. Especially if the female is tailwhipping the male. Patience is a virtue. It is very hard for me to have patience especially during hatching. But it makes it all worth while when you open a box of incubating eggs and see little snake heads poking out of the shell.
John Lassiter

Thanks, John. Consensus seems to be leaning strongly toward introduction of the femele to the male's enclosure. Still some variance on the other question (introduction of the pair after the first or second shed of the female?). Many agree with you and introduce after her first shed, but others wait for her second shed based on better prospects for ovulation and an overall lower stress level by that time. I brought mine out of a 3-month brumation around the first of March; I'm waiting for Queen's second shed, which should be within the next week or two, before letting them go out on a date. (Us fathers can be such control freaks!)
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MichaelB

It wouldn't hurt to introduce female to male after her first shed cycle. It would just let you know if she is ready or not. If she is tailwhipping and evading the male, wait for the second shed.
John Lassiter
Not an Alterna rather Mexicana Mexicana. Just wanted to share.