Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,
Would former or present keepers be so kind as to give me some info on breeding Orthriophis (Elaphe) taeniurus friesi. What you used to get them in the mood - day length, humidity, temps decreases/increases or anything else you can impart. I’m struggling to get any such info from people who have actually bred them. I’m enquiring on behalf of a friend who won’t be attempting to breed them until next spring. It's always best to know what they respond to, rather than just throwing them together and hoping for the best, lol. They are both of adult length and girth but the female has only just been recently obtained and is currently in quarantine for next three months or so anyway.
From the info I’ve gleaned so far, indications are that they breed in the spring, although they might breed throughout the year. They lay up to 25 eggs more usually 9-12, which hatch some 70+ days at 28C. Hatchlings are fairly large at 30-45cm. Any more info, corrections or comments more than welcome peeps!
Thanks in advance,

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Devboy.

devboy Wrote:
It's always best to know what they respond to, rather than just throwing them together and hoping for the best, lol.

That's all I've ever done with mine. Watch the male Taiwan's behavior. When he is completely restless, actively searching his cage for days at a time the female is ready. Introduce him and off they go...

After a couple days and copulations, return the male to his cage.

At 28C they hatch hatch in about 60 days. (59-62 days have been my range in seven successful clutches).

Some breeders cycle these snakes however they don't really need it. They are from predominantly tropical climates. Minor seasonal variations in my room are all it ever took.

Some breeders also double and triple clutch the females on this species. Ironically, that also happens to be the breeders that swear these snakes only live for 8-10 years MAXIMUM. My fifteen year old breeders (female is gravid right now) would tend to argue against that!
I only breed them (allow them to breed) about once every other year.
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Later,
Paul E. Turley

Cheers Paul,
Thanks for your advice and input. That's just what I was after. I'd agree that you can overwork (female) snakes and some species seem to be more prone to this than others, presumably those that might not sucessfully breed year in year out in the wild and certainly not likely to have multiple clutches every year. I have two female Rhinechis scalaris that aren't bred every year, they are 11-14yrs old and showing no signs of any wear and tear! I think they could cope with annual breeding but I feel annual double (or more unlikely triple) clutching might well shorten their longevity. Many thanks,

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Devboy.