Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been trying to do some reasearch on coxis but am having a really hard time finding anything more than really basic information.
For those of you familiar with them -
What age do they become sexually mature/tend to start breeding at?
Do you have good luck keeping same-size pairs together (if fed seperately, of course)?
Are there any special requirements for breeding/incubation different than the other asian ratsnakes? I know they need to be kept much cooler, but beyond that haven't ferreted out anything more.
Anyone have any good resources for more coxi information?
Thanks so much for your time!
The Foxloft

I have had a pair of coxi for two years so I can't answer with all that much personal experience. They should be able to breed by two years of age if they have enough size (I hope). As far as keeping pairs together--I would say no way. In my experience there is far better success breeding animals that have just been introduced compared to pairs that have become complacent about each others presence. (have you ever been married?)
If you are looking for a good resource on ratsnakes the best book on ratsnakes, or for that matter the best book ever writen on the subject of snakes, is "A monograph of the snakes of the genus Elaphe" by Klaus-Deiter Shultz(not sure on spelling). It is somewhat expensive but I promise it is a bargain at twice the price. Anyone with more than a passive interest in ratsnakes should have a copy. And I don't even sell them.

Thank you! I haven't heard of that book before. I will have to get a copy. (I'm slowly assembling a small library of herp literature and this looks like it would be a great addition!)
The Foxloft

Coxi breeding is pretty straight forward. we cycle our adults by cooling them down to 55F starting in December, bring them back up to temp in March, feed once or twice, wait for a shed, and pair them up.

we have bred them at little over a year for males, and 18 months for females. clutch size is 2-6 eggs, on average, double clutching is easy, triple clutching common, and we have gotten as many as 7 clutches from a female in one season.

all things considered, i like to shoot for just 2-3 clutches per female, as the body drain can be considerable. with good stock, healthy animals, i would consider Coxi breeding "easy" compared to other snakes.

we usually see a hookup within 5 minutes of introducing a male to a viable female, so breeding can be "done" in one day.

Dr. Klingenburg, an excellent vet and popular reptile author, has had a female have one early season copulation, and then triple clutch with no further male work. that's a trip.

because of the multi-clutching, we keep a basking light available through the cooling period, as we would inevitably see females throw eggs in the winter, but at 55F, they wouldn't be any good. with access to heat, a temp gradient of 55F to 80F, the ones that want to cool can cool (and in a dark hide) and the ones that are developing eggs can bask. they choose the appropriate spot.

there are many more details, and this may be the first time i have even hinted at the temp gradient and cycling stuff online, i am supposed to work up an article for Reptiles Mag on this subject, i just haven't gotten to it. i hope to write it by the end of this year : )

i am happy to discuss more details by phone, folks can reach me at the number listed on our site : )
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles