Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have purchased several pairs of hatchlings (actually I have purchased eggs. They haven't hatched yet; I will receive them after hatching).

These young snakes will be my first attempt at breeding corns. I have never cooled any of my "pets". Do most breeders burmate even very young stock, or only burmate those they plan to breed?
In other words do you cool your juveniles their first and second winter, or start the third winter - the year you plan to breed?

Thanks,
Shari

>>I have purchased several pairs of hatchlings (actually I have purchased eggs. They haven't hatched yet; I will receive them after hatching).
>>
>>These young snakes will be my first attempt at breeding corns. I have never cooled any of my "pets". Do most breeders burmate even very young stock, or only burmate those they plan to breed?
>>In other words do you cool your juveniles their first and second winter, or start the third winter - the year you plan to breed?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Shari

I personally wouldn't brumate them until you are ready to breed them. Sometimes people will brumate young snakes if they are non feeders. Hopefully when they come out of brumation they will have stronger appetites but otherwise I see the reasoning.
Jimmy

I guess that I am in the minority nowadays with the feeling that there is no need to brumate Corn snakes. I have never done this and don’t see why others feel it is needed. I would not consider bringing down the temps of any of my snakes that low if not needed; it is too much of a health risk.
Other Colubrids such as some of the Northern Milks and Kings breed more readily after a cooling period, but Corn snake will breed regardless. I do choose to follow the seasonal light cycles, and the natural humidity levels are enough to let a corn snake know that it is time for a spring fling.
I see that some do it so they can fake the snakes into cycling earlier then normal, but unless you feel pressured to produce your babies sooner then most, there is no real need for it. I have never had a female corn fail to produce eggs in a season. Even if I don’t want them to and do not allow a male in the cage in hopes to prevent them from producing, they still produce eggs! You can’t stop a female corn from doing it so there is no real reason to cool them down.
Just my opinion.
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Jim Hopkins "Hoppy"
Hopkins Holesale Herps
Hopfam1@aol.com