Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Was wondering if I should give up on my kingsnakes breeding this year. I only bred kingsnakes once, and have no idea where the notes are on it, but I remember it went a lot easier than this. I've introduced two different makes to her, and the males are interested and she is not. She just had her 2d post-brumation shed this past Sunday, and I thought that would be the trigger. Nope. Still a chow-hound, though, and the males ain't eatin' a thing.

Any advice, including maybe waiting till next year?

Thanks, getulers,

fliptop

There's no harm in introducing them. I would keep the females fat and still offer the males food and put them together every 3 days. Some snakes seem to go through the whole breeding process like clockwork every year and others don't. I never give up trying stubborn snakes. Unless summer is already winding down and it would mess with the timing of when I start cooling everything. Good luck, I bet they breed soon. Tom Stevens

I got a pair (of easterns) going at it right now as I'm typing this. Took em' a while to get going (my most stubborn female), but now they're all over each other. . .Don't give up yet. Seperate them for a couple of days and try again. Do this until summer and eventually you should get them to breed.

Zee

I didn't get what ssp. you are trying to get going??
Anyway, a few things that have worked for me in the past:
I have put 2 males in with the female at the same time. Sometimes the whole competition will get them all going -including the female. After a while of the sparring that usually ensues, I take out the "loser" (of my choice) and often within minutes they are hooked up.
Use the weather as a trigger as well. An approaching front or rain (dropping barometer) could help too. Open the windows and really let the natural air get to the animals.(as long as it is warm enough)
Don't forget to put her fresh shed skin in with the male to get the scent of her on his mind.
I have bred kings at just about every month of the spring/summer, so don't get too discouraged. They may have bred when you were out of the room
:Mark

It's really not that complicated. They'll be ready when they're ready.

I have most of my females shed for the second time already this year with no interest in copulation. Every year is different. This year I brought the snakes out earlier than normal and it did not help speed things along. I am sure they will go at it here in the next couple weeks. Next year I will wake them up at their normal time at the end of March.

I am used to breeding Rosy boas and they don't usually breed until April no matter how early you bring them up.