Reptile & Amphibian Forums

All, I'm getting my 8 and 10 year old sons involved into an Alterna breeding program this winter. Would like to start them off on some young snakes others may consider undesireable (dare I say Ugly...), or even hard feeders. Doesn't really matter about CB or WC as this is for educational purposes for them. My son plans on using this for his 5th Grade science project late next spring. Comments welcome or email to stolenvette@gmail.com.

Thanks, David

You may want to use a species that will have a greater , more predictable success history for a first time project like this. I would suggest corn snakes or California kingsnakes.

I think it's great that your getting your sons involved in herping at such a young age. But, I have to question why you want to start with undesirable /problem feeders when you can get reasonably priced animals that are nice quality as well.

I am not really concerned that your choosing Gray bands over corns as I am assuming that you have some husbandry and possibly some past breeding experience.

I am sure you know that that there is a high probability that your sons may/will lose interest in this project and even if they don't you are still going to have to supervise care, feeding, hibernation, breeding, incubation and neonate care. So this is going to be your project just as much a your son's.

My point is that if you spend a little more up front and pick up some nice animals with plans of producing nice babies this will be a more rewarding project for all of you. Good Luck! ~ Mike

Yes, I have experience breeding alterna. We had three breeding pair years ago and had great success for the two seasons we devoted to the project. I was pretty active in 1999 and 2000, but then the war kicked off and I was transferred overseas (active duty USMC). I'm just now to the point where I can start to devote time again.

My boys love graybands and don't want any other (they hooked!). Lots of times some breeders out there have a few snakes they consider under-quality and don't want to waste a cycle on breeding them. What I was saying is that I would take them if the price was right. My boys aren't picky...

I am, however. I'm currently working on a BG project but only have one breeding pair. The boys and I will be making the trip from Virginia to Alpine the last week of May for their first expedition (only my second).

Shack

Hey Shack,
Try not to be discouraged by these guys, I swear, somtimes it is like dealing with a bunch of old women. This is one place you can get free advice that you feel you have been over charged for. Forget them and enjoy your boys and alterna. I have some things that might work for what you are doing, if you want, you can email me at thesaddleshop@earthlink.net.
And also, thanks for your and your family's sacrifice. Without the military and people like you, we would not be free to enjoy our passions.
Good luck and thanks
Rick

I hope you did not think I was trying to discourage you from starting this breeding project because I most defiantly was NOT. I was suggesting that you start with nice animals that feed so your children would have a more enjoyable experience. I even started out by stating that I thought it was great that you are involving your kids in this project.... I guess sometimes it's just better not to say anything?

Na, its all good, I took no harm from your advice. I appreciate all feedback and constructive criticism. To each his own.

Anyway, and HONESTLY, my boys won't have anything to do with any other snake. They're hooked on Alterna. We had a great time a few years ago, built a $4000 snake house in the back yard with climate control and all the bells and whistles. Was really hard to sell the house, sell the snakes, move the family to live with my folks while I deployed to Iraq.

Anyway, no regrets here brother. When I'm in, I'm in. Only limiting factor is the money...

Sorry Shack, I got the feel from your post this was a first time breeding snakes. Good luck with your project.

Na, its all good, I took no harm from your advice. I appreciate all feedback and constructive criticism. To each his own.

Anyway, and HONESTLY, my boys won't have anything to do with any other snake. They're hooked on Alterna. We had a great time a few years ago, built a $4000 snake house in the back yard with climate control and all the bells and whistles. Was really hard to sell the house, sell the snakes, move the family to live with my folks while I deployed to Iraq.

Anyway, no regrets here brother. When I'm in, I'm in. Only limiting factor is the money... I decided to blow the savings on a trip to Alpine with the boys instead of spending that same money on buying "breeders". I think they will get more enjoyment actually getting out there and getting in the environment. Anyone can buy a breeding pair, but how many can say "I've been to Boy Scout Road", or "I walked the cuts by the Observatory". My boys will be able to say that, with or without any WC Alterna under their belts this year.

Anyway, I'll save some money getting a couple of "Project" Alterna and be able to treat them to a 3600 mile round trip 10 day adventure to Alterna Country.

Gotta love it...

Shack