Reptile & Amphibian Forums

In the March issue of Reptiles, there is an article by Jerry G. Walls on temperature-dependent sex determination. He mentions only crocodilians, turtles and certain lizards. Is there any information or evidence of TSD in snakes or are they strictly GSD (genetic sex determination)?

>>In the March issue of Reptiles, there is an article by Jerry G. Walls on temperature-dependent sex determination. He mentions only crocodilians, turtles and certain lizards. Is there any information or evidence of TSD in snakes or are they strictly GSD (genetic sex determination)?

I don't remember anything specifically dealing with snakes, but I think it's generally accepted that TSD doesn't apply to snakes. In my opinion, however, I think certain conditions may help influence sex determination in snakes too. Remember it's just a hunch on my part. I've had good luck with keeping my incubating temps slightly lower than what most would keep them. When I know the eggs could hatch a little faster at 82*F, I keep mine bt. 80-82*, with a little more of a drop at night sometimes too. I seem to get a pretty even sex ratio, but am usually lucky with females getting one or two extra. It's probably nothing, but the babies seem healthier too when you don't push the temps.

I'll try lower incubation temps. Too many males last year! Thanks for the response, Terry. - Toby