I am about to introduce my calis this week and wondered if someone can desribe what their courting and breeding activity will look like. I am primarily interested in telling the difference between vigorous pursuit and scroggin vs cannibilism. The one time I did see kings getting it on I was sure they were trying to eat each other. I don't want one to end up a meal but I don't want to interfer in the course of true love unnessesarily either. I am a little concerned because my female is considerably heftier than the male. They both have been out of brumation about 3 weeks and the female has just had her shed. I have been feeding them as much as I think they can safely take but they both are ravenous. Any thing I should keep in mind or keep a keen eye out for????
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New breeder, can someone describe cali courting behavior
Replies (3)
Trust me, you'll know. If the female attacks the male, it is obvious.
A male who is in the mood to breed will spasm a little and may bite down on the female behind her head (or even on her head), but will not constrict. This is courting and poses no danger.
In my experience, its the females that need to be watched. But a female that is ready to breed will usually pose no threat to the male.
I asked a breeder of Cali's today a question about L.g.c. He said you'll know if cannibalism will occur. He said the best thing to do is feed them heavily before mating and observe them when you put them together. They show similar courtship as most other snakes. Biting occurs too, but not swallowing! lol
I believe we are going to put his pair together tomorrow to see what happens.
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14 Leopard Geckos 5.9.0
2 Tokay Geckos 2.0.0
1 Graybanded Kingsnake 1.0.0 (on vacation in my house)
1 Baird's Rat Snake (Thanks Vadoni!) 1.0.0
1.0 Ambystoma sp. "Axolotl"
>>I am about to introduce my calis this week and wondered if someone can desribe what their courting and breeding activity will look like. I am primarily interested in telling the difference between vigorous pursuit and scroggin vs cannibilism. The one time I did see kings getting it on I was sure they were trying to eat each other. I don't want one to end up a meal but I don't want to interfer in the course of true love unnessesarily either. I am a little concerned because my female is considerably heftier than the male. They both have been out of brumation about 3 weeks and the female has just had her shed. I have been feeding them as much as I think they can safely take but they both are ravenous. Any thing I should keep in mind or keep a keen eye out for????
KEEP IN MIND there's no need for you to leave them together for days or even hours, usually, while you are unavailable to watch them or intercede if there's a problem: Just pick a time when you have an hour or so of work to do in the snakeroom, and put them together then, and while you're working, keep an eye on them. Theyk'll usually be breeding within 15 minutes if they're ready, and done in an hour or so. Go for multiple brief interactions, and your animals will be safer. My chain king (another getula, remember) ate her male while i left them alone when i was out of town for a weekend.
terry
albino tricolors
