Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been a snake keeper/breeder for almost 30 years. In that time I've bred many species of python including Burms, Macklott's, Carpet, Spotted, White lip and others.
But my boas (Bci & Bcc) will not breed no mattter what I do. All of my boas are 10 years old (Lemke stock) and way old enough and large enough to produce. I've tried everthing....including the Ronne method, Cool down, feeding the females heavy in summer/fall, short photoperiods in winter, group breedings...EVERYTHING! But no matter what I try they won't breed. I'm almost ready to give up....but I don't want to give up yet....I have some beautiful boas that could produce outstanding babies. I feel like there is something I'm not quite understanding yet and it is my fault and not the boas. If there is anyone who can help me or give me some advice I would be very very thankful.
Thank you

I would bet you are over feeding your females prior to breeding attempts. Give them a late summer or early fall break from food before introducing them. I think you will see the difference.
-----
Mark Kennedy Reptiles
web site

If you have not cooled them in prvious years it may take a year or so of cycling to get them use to it. I have tried to breed boas that were pets before and had very little luck, I would say keep trying with a cycling method. Good luck. Craig Kade

I know your probably very experienced, but everyone makes mistakes.... you do have both males and females right

Have you tried not cycling them? I admit my boa breeding experience is limited, but without anything other than not housing the animals together except for mating, I've never heard of any problems. Is age possibly a factor? Perhaps while captive boas may live quite a while there reproductive life ends much earlier; I"m sure other boa breeders could respond to this.

Thanks Craig
For the past two years I've given my Bci a night time low of 72-75 degrees and a day time high of 80-82 in fall/winter. And my Bcc a couple of degrees lower. I quit feeding them just prior to this cycling period (late Sept.) The light source is natural light from windows. I introduce my males to the females mid Nov. But after seven years of trying with eight differant pairs I have yet to even see courting. I really didn't expect Bci to be so difficult for me. My pythons and Dumeril's breed like crazy using a method much like this one. Is there something I'm missing?
Thank you
PD

Your setup sounds good, I wish I could be of more help, maybe next year I can send you one of my sure fire males, they breed anything. Good luck, I hope you have better luck in the future. Craig

NM

Maybe it is to early, or late, in the year for the part of the country you are in. Up in the NW part of the country, breeding activity seems to be witnessed sooner than it is for us here in Florida. Talk to other people in your part of the country and find out when they have the most success. Just a thought.
Best of luck!
Kathy

Try blocking off all natural sun light. I always kept my boas in a room with no windows but when I moved they had a window and ever since I have had no luck breeding.
-----
True Redtails