Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all. I have put together 2.3 Argentine Rainbow boas (Epicrates cenchria alvarezi ). 1.3 from one breeder, then got another male. All are adults, females over 4 feet and males around 3 feet. Does anyone have any experience breeding these? I have read as much as I could find, but it seems that most sites deal with Brazilians. I know that they should be similar in approach, but thought some of the folks here should have some tips for success. Thanks in advance.

John

John,
...I bred them about 10 years ago. All of my adults were imported WC animals. Females at 4 feet long is plenty big for them to be mature and produce good litters. I did keep them like BRBs and had two good litters and one very small litter. I sort of am getting back into them and now have 2.1 that are reported to be captive born. Unlike the BRBs they are prone to breed out of season. I did not have enough litters or time with them when I was breeding them to say for sure whether they need anything different than BRBs for good results. Unlike all of my baby BRBs some of the baby Argentinians were reluctant feeders.
Good luck,
Jeff

>>Hello all. I have put together 2.3 Argentine Rainbow boas (Epicrates cenchria alvarezi ). 1.3 from one breeder, then got another male. All are adults, females over 4 feet and males around 3 feet. Does anyone have any experience breeding these? I have read as much as I could find, but it seems that most sites deal with Brazilians. I know that they should be similar in approach, but thought some of the folks here should have some tips for success. Thanks in advance.
>>
>>John

Jeff, wanted to say I really like your site. Most of the best info found so far was on there. When you say they "breed out of season"... does that mean I don't need to do a cooling period for them, or that I still cool but at a diff time? If no brumation, when would be a good time to pair them up? Thanks again. -John

John,
...The pair I bought at Daytona in august were mating at that time. I am pretty sure she is not gravid. Brazilian Rainbows do not usually show any interest in breeding except during and after winter cooling.
Jeff

>>Jeff, wanted to say I really like your site. Most of the best info found so far was on there. When you say they "breed out of season"... does that mean I don't need to do a cooling period for them, or that I still cool but at a diff time? If no brumation, when would be a good time to pair them up? Thanks again. -John

So do you brumate pairs together? (since you said they show no breeding interest except during and after brumation?) I had planned on cooling them to 72 degrees and shortening light cycle.

John,
...It has been quite a few years but I think I remember keeping them seperate during the cooling. At least I am sure I was keeping the BRBs seperate back then and so I probably did the same with the Argentinians.
Good luck,
Jeff

>>So do you brumate pairs together? (since you said they show no breeding interest except during and after brumation?) I had planned on cooling them to 72 degrees and shortening light cycle.