Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've kept and bred many snake species but i'm new in KS.
I have a few questions for the experienced breeders here on Kingsnake.
I saw on the sanboa website that the minimum breeding weight for a female KS is 200 grams.
Isn't that a little bit small?
What is your idea about the minimum breeding weight?
I also have a question about brumation.
Do you cool them down for some time and if yes when and for how long?
And my last question when do you put the pair together for breeding?
Hope to get some answers to my questions.

I saw on the sanboa website that the minimum breeding weight for a female KS is 200 grams.
Isn't that a little bit small?

I would argue yes. The bigger the female at the first breeding the better (250-300g would be better). I have bred a couple females that were in the 175g range. They produced small litters, but the babies were healthy. In both cases they did not bred the following year (even though I tried to breed them).

What is your idea about the minimum breeding weight? 250-300g (3-4 years old).

I also have a question about brumation.
Do you cool them down for some time and if yes when and for how long?

I have had success with and without a cool down period for this species, but I usually turn down the heat for 2 months (Dec-Jan). Their normal hot spot is 97-98F and I turn it down to 90F. I still feed them during this time.

And my last question when do you put the pair together for breeding? Some pairs I keep together year round, others I put together in Feb-April

Best of luck,
Chris
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Christopher E. Smith
Contact
Captive Bred Herps
Wildlife Research & Consulting Services, LLC

Thx Chris! The female is around 220 gram now, I hope I can get her bigger till februari.
She did eat like crazy in the beginning but has slown down and only eats when she realy wants it.
Sometimes only once a month or less.