start keepin records...more

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

Posted by jeff schofield on March 16, 2002 at 19:19:21:

In Reply to: New to breeding... posted by Miles on March 15, 2002 at 15:26:02:

: I have two ratsnakes (gray and black) used in museum educational programming. They are male and female and have never bred successfully. I "caught them in the act" so to speak and am not sure what to do next. they are in the same tank right now. should i separate them soon? How do I know that it "took?" what is the gestation period? Is there a reason they have never bred before? what can I do to help bring some baby rat snakes into the world?

: thanks,
: Miles

Miles, the female should be fed more than normal for good egg production. 3-4 weeks after the mating she should be visibly swelled in her rear 1/3 and go into a shed. After the shed they should be seperated because males cant be trusted with eggs. Keep a moist laying box in with her and leave her alone as much as possible. Get a book so you can follow along and troubleshoot any possible problems. Lastly, if these are hybrids like you said, DONT release them anywhere. If you decide to give away/sell/trade please make sure the person getting them knows exactly what the parents were because all baby rats look alike,Good luck,Jeff

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: : I have two ratsnakes (gray and black) used in museum educational programming. They are male and female and have never bred successfully. I "caught them in the act" so to speak and am not sure what to do next. they are in the same tank right now. should i separate them soon? How do I know that it "took?" what is the gestation period? Is there a reason they have never bred before? what can I do to help bring some baby rat snakes into the world? : : thanks, : : Miles : Miles, the female should be fed more than normal for good egg production. 3-4 weeks after the mating she should be visibly swelled in her rear 1/3 and go into a shed. After the shed they should be seperated because males cant be trusted with eggs. Keep a moist laying box in with her and leave her alone as much as possible. Get a book so you can follow along and troubleshoot any possible problems. Lastly, if these are hybrids like you said, DONT release them anywhere. If you decide to give away/sell/trade please make sure the person getting them knows exactly what the parents were because all baby rats look alike,Good luck,Jeff

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

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