Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Friends - I've been unsuccessful in getting my pair of easterns to close the deal for many years now. Something new happened last night. I've cooled the cages over the past few weeks plus I now use a red light as a heat source and the photo period is just room light which is easten N.Y. I put my female in with the male and walked away for about 3 minutes. I returned to a loud noise - Female letting loose a major crap and the male had a hold of her by her neck. He was not drapped all over her. In the past he would try to seduce her climbing all over her. I seperated them even though he had a vise grip on her neck. They both feed fine. However, both passed on meals four days ago which was odd.
1) I've read that the mating can be vicious
2) Was he trying to eat her ? He is a solid 6 foot she is a little smaller about 5 foot.

Looking forward to your thoughts

Thanks, Mark

mark, he wasn't trying to eat her, he was more than likely trying to breed w/ her. neck grabbing is the males way of controlling the females combined w/ using his weight to pin her to one spot. i think photoperiod is a major trigger w/ this species in terms of breeding. my cribos, which are exposed to only natural light and ambient room temps begin breeding on their own every year right around labor day. my males will pursue the girls off and on [though never incessantly] till about mid january or so then pretty much cease. the females usually end up fleeing into a hide where actual copulation will take place. not all chases result in success and sometimes [esp. later in the season] the males pursue w/ less ardor. one audible clue that actual mating is taking place when you cannot see them is a [s l o w] tail rattling by the female. you'll know it when you hear it and it means he scored.........

Thanks Dan. I thought that might be the case. I was caught by surprise when he did it. The big crap didn't help much either. I'm going to put them back together tonight to see what will happen.

Mark

Mark,
One thing that raises a red flag for me here is that your female is less than 5 feet long. That's probably too small for a female Eastern Indigo (or any Indigo) to breed. You might want to think about giving her one more year before you breed her. Normally, you want the female to be at least 5 1/2 or 6 feet long.
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We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Ralph Waldo Emerson

hi She is closer to 5 1/2 - 3/4 She is 8 years old. Eats great sheds regularly but just hasn't grown much. She is solid. I have them together now. The male is trying his best. No, biting, but she just won't give it up. I have another eastern female.She is a 4 ft plus a couple of inches. She is 3 years old and growing like crazy. I figure by this time next year she will be more than 5 feet.
Go figure ?

Thanks for your input.

Mark

Well, so much for not biting. While typing my last post, the male now has a nice mouth full of the female just behind the head. He is trying to over power her. He is obviously happy to see her. So,I'm hoping this will be the lucky year for her to give it up.

Mark

Hi Mark,
Hope they're on their way. Good luck.
Your neighbor to the East.

Hi Steve; The male tried his hardest. She still won't give it up. (its you male, Pete Chimel's female) I'm going keep trying. There both in great shape. So, I can't figure it out

Mark

She's just not receptive yet. Give her time and keep trying every few days.
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We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thanks - will do. Fun isn't it ? (smile)

Mark