Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a pair of adult Subocs, and while I've kept them before, I've never attempted to breed them. From what I'm hearing, this is a pretty normal time to start introducing them, so I figured I might give it a shot.

The only breeding experience I have is with Pythons, so any other tips will be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Anthony Caponetto

BTW, here's a pic of the female, who is proven het blonde...male is a 5 foot monster, possible het. I'll post a pic of him next.

Here's the male...

Thanks again!

-Anthony Caponetto

Have you brumated them? Subocs generally need to be brumated for 6-8 weeks in the upper 50's over the winter to breed. Once brought out of brumation, you keep them at "normal" daytime North American ratsnake temps (i.e., low to mid 80's) and feed them well. They are some of the latest breeders and layers of the North American rat snakes. Mine used to breed in late June to July and I used to hatch them out in late September to October.
Ophidiophile Farms

I just received them yesterday, but as far as I know, they were brumated. The previous owner dropped their temps into the low 60's over the winter, and had recently brought the temps back up to a normal room temperature.

Like I said, I've just kept them at room temp for the last 24 hours. Would gradually (over the next couple of weeks) bringing their temps up to low to mid 80's (and feeding them) prevent any breeding activity, or is that pretty much optimal temperature for breeding?

If they've already been brumated adequately, bring them up to 80's (you can give them a night drop of a few degrees) and feed them (esp. the female) well. Breeding should occur after the female's first post-brumation shed, though you can introduce them periodically before it just in case.
Ophidiophile Farms

Low 60's should be fine for subocs. I can never cool mine any lower than that and mine have been faithfully producing eggs for about 5 years now. I agree with the other response, they breed late in the year.... June and July. I have had eggs hatch as late as the beginning of December. They look like they are in good enough condition to breed. Introducing them now shouldnt hurt. Just make sure to feed the female well and dont keep them both together throughout the entire breeding season.... what I mean is to put them together for a few days at a time, then separate them for a few days to a week, then reintroduce again. Especially make sure to introduce them after the female sheds. You should notice some slight swelling in the lower half of the female when she is gravid. I would keep them separate from then on. Show us some pictures when the eggs hatch!