According to the bible (Schulz, '96) they should be brumated for 3 or 4 months at 8 to 15 C*. Temps in the 50's should be fine, with occasional daytime highs reaching the low to mid-60's, ok, too. I'm basing this on raising and breeding bimaculata and dione and my knowledge of carinata and other Asian ratsnakes.



I would not breed them at 1.5 yrs of age. Schulz states they mature at two yrs of age. IMO, breeding before 2 yrs of age is risky, no matter the size. Also, carinata is a large snake reaching 150 cm. or more. Six to twelve large eggs could be difficult for a young, not quite mature female. That's up to you to decide.



BTW, carinata comes from a variety of habitats around the Orient which can affect them to some degree. I'm assuming yours are rather generic with no specific locale info. Some things are constant, however, such as cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers. Best of luck with them, and keep us posted.



Terry Cox/Green Valley, AZ.



>>I plan to breed my king rats but I'm wondering about A: hibernation and B: safe breeding size.

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>>What I've read all states 2-4 months of hibernation but doesnt' give temps--I'd guess in the low 60s? Or should I go down to the 50s? Or does that matter much?

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>>And on breeding size--what sizes have ya'll bred them at? My male I'm guess is between 3 and 4 feet with the female being 30"-36"; they seem to have really hit their stride in growth and are chomping down every mouse I'll give 'em (the male's eating 2 at a go-I hope to get him on small rats or chicks soon). They're both 2010s, so I'm wondering if next year would work for breeding or if I should wait till 2013? I'm hoping the female hits 4' by the early winter when I'd start to hibernate them (think November or December through March).

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>>We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.




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