Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just have some basic questions regarding breeding. I am planning on acquiring a male soon (if anyones got a yearling 8-12 months old contact me!). And want to breed him with my female. She is about 9 months old and just over 2 feet long. I know she probably wont be able to breed for another year or so but wanted basic information on the whole process with this particular species. Such as avg. incubation period, incubation temps, brumation period, etc. I have A beatiful and well mannered Leucistic Texas Rat Snake and i would love to see some of her babies in a year or so. Thanks for your help!
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-Doug Daly

"Aren't you two a little old to be drinking illegally?"

0.1.0 Leucistic Texas Rat Snake (Elaphe Obsoleta lindheimerii)

i have bred mine for a number of years. pretty straight forward. brumation is the same for other american ratsnakes. i stop feeding in november, cool them (50-60 degrees) with a water bowl around thanksgiving. bring them back up to temperature in march. start feeding after about a week at normal temps. the male probably wont eat until after breeding season. i place the male in with the female, usually after her first shed. but you can put them together earlier if you like. once gravid she will shed in about a month. 9-12 days after her prelay shed she will lay eggs. put a nest box in for her when she is opaque. move eggs to incubator. i use vermiculite. 80 degrees for 60 to 70 days. they usually eat after their first shed. if you have any more questions, please feel free to email me. good luck,rin.

What size and age should they be for breeding? and do babies accept f/t pinkies or do you have to get live ones or do you have to scent them with something? Thanks!
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-Doug Daly

"Aren't you two a little old to be drinking illegally?"

0.1.0 Leucistic Texas Rat Snake (Elaphe Obsoleta lindheimerii)

my female was about 3 years old when i first bred her. your male could probably bread at a younger age, maybe 2. Every baby that i have hatched has started off with frozen thawed pinkies. they are typically good eaters. wait until they shed. then wait a few more days to a week and offer a f/t pink. most will eat the first time. if some don't, just wait until the next feeding date and try again. Rin