Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am going to breed a pair of bullsnakes this year for my first try at breeding. My main concern is regarding hibernation. My basement is finished and heated. I have closed off the ducts, but the tmep is only getting down to about 70 degrees. Do I really need to get the temps down to 60 degrees? Any suggestions? Approximately how long should I hiberate the pair? I have read many different time frames.

Thanks for any info.

I've never bred bullsnakes before. For starters I only have one A beautiful Western Canadian 7 footer.

I would suggest not hibernating them. I know it sounds odd, but many North American colubrids do not need it to breed. The problem with hibernating with not cool enough temperatures is that the snakes metabolism won't be slowed down enough. It will still require food; and yet will not be warm enough to digest it.

Another suggestion if hibernation is desired is to look into your garage, a family member's house ect.

Good luck, I love them pitouphis!

Ian

So I won't have to hibernate them? I hadn't heard of doing that before. Is there a website anyone could recomend that would have breading tips/instructions?

-Thanks

For finding good information on breeding a particular animal here is what I do.

1)Get to know the people on the particular forum- in this case the pine/bull/gopher forum. It doesn't take long to learn who's who and who knows what.

2)Go to any related links of breeders found in the above forum, or in the listings on the home page.

3)Google search your species. This will likely give lots of feedback and you are most likely have to wade through lots of misinformation and bogus sites. It does have potential to find great new websites though

4)Last, but certainly not least is to look in your local library or university book store for a book about the species.

I've bred red tail boas and corn snakes. Many people swear that brumation is needed for both species, and yet I've never done it with either. It makes sense that it it wouldn't hurt to try with pitouphis. The worst that will happen is that they don't breed and you'll have to wait until next year

Importantly though, is my advice that hibernation is an all or none principle. You have to get them cool enough, or forgoe it all-together.

Ian