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Posted by Rob Carmichael on September 16, 2002 at 07:20:44:
In Reply to: Breeding Indigos posted by Dan W on September 15, 2002 at 07:33:16:
Fred, Dean and others who have been working with this species for a number of years have provided some excellent tips that you can find on the archives. I have only been breeding easterns for three years but will be happy to share my observations. First, I learned the hard way what happens if you don't keep a close look out during courtship. I left my male with my female for literally 30 minutes while I took my daughters to gymnastics. When I came back, the snakes were copulating, however, I also noticed a HUGE gash on her neck. Upon closer examination, it was almost to the bone. She needed 35 stitches and weeks of antibiotic therapy. The good news is that she laid perfect eggs, however, I am now going to be MUCH more careful and wary when I introduce the snakes. In terms of cycling, I just allow the ambient temps in my herp room fall to acceptable levels (low 70's, or slightly lower, daytime with a 2-hour basking area that reaches 88 deg F., and night temps just drop to ambient temps which could range from the mid 60's to low 70's.). I have learned that dinkering too much with temps, etc. typically just leads to frustration because you spend too much time bothering the animals. As long as you are within acceptable limits, you will be fine. During the winter, I still offer food but in smaller amounts (in both size of prey and quantity). Lighting is simply provided by the ambient light that the room receives (indirect light). After breeding is over, I still offer slightly smaller prey but I do begin offering the females prey that have regular vitamin supplementation (not excessively, however). As the outside temps begin to warm in April, so do my herp room temps).
: I have a pair of Eastern Indigos that I plan to try and breed for the first time this year. Due to there propensity to eat other snakes I plan to put them together for about an hour a day every 3 days from mid-October through December. How does that plan sound? Also do Indigos continue eating right through breeding season? What should temps be? After breeding should I give them a light hibernation and then treat them as usual beginning in March?
:Thanks,
:Dan
