Oh, I thought you meant a much different size ......

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Rat Snake Forum ]

Posted by TmC on January 17, 2002 at 19:04:09:

In Reply to: Re: Why mate early?...... posted by Steve F on January 17, 2002 at 05:40:38:

Steve,

With the girl that size and four yrs. old, I'd say cool them down to below 60*F for a few months, then put them together, and you should get some eggs. A large female will lay up to 16-18 eggs, or more. You can judge your female a little by how many she lays, maybe less than 16. Russians are secretive lovers, BTW. You probably won't see them do it. I take mine out by April, at least, if not before. After she's eaten some and had her first shed, put her in with the male, and leave the skin in. I usually take the male out of hibernation a little before the female to make sure he's ready first. Then leave them together for a few weeks, or more. Good luck.

Terry

: Thanks Terry.

: Is the female too young at 4 years ? I hadnt actually planned to mate her until next winter when she will be 5 and had assumed that all would be well this year as I have not hibernated them. ( She is the first female I have had... My other 4 snakes are all male and in seperate vivs )

: The size difference is mainly in girth... She measures 4.5 feet and he is just over 5 feet, but he is much thicker and more muscular.

: Steve

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: Steve, : With the girl that size and four yrs. old, I'd say cool them down to below 60*F for a few months, then put them together, and you should get some eggs. A large female will lay up to 16-18 eggs, or more. You can judge your female a little by how many she lays, maybe less than 16. Russians are secretive lovers, BTW. You probably won't see them do it. I take mine out by April, at least, if not before. After she's eaten some and had her first shed, put her in with the male, and leave the skin in. I usually take the male out of hibernation a little before the female to make sure he's ready first. Then leave them together for a few weeks, or more. Good luck. : Terry : : Thanks Terry. : : Is the female too young at 4 years ? I hadnt actually planned to mate her until next winter when she will be 5 and had assumed that all would be well this year as I have not hibernated them. ( She is the first female I have had... My other 4 snakes are all male and in seperate vivs ) : : The size difference is mainly in girth... She measures 4.5 feet and he is just over 5 feet, but he is much thicker and more muscular. : : Steve

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Rat Snake Forum ]