breeding for the first time

[Rex322]

i will be breeding my boas for the first time this year. i need some good information on breeding them. i would like to find or make a timeline of a gravid boa from copulation to birth, if anyone can help with that, that would help a great deal. also, when should i start cooling, and how low should i drop the temps, and how long after cooling has started should i put them together?

	Gravid Gravid term used in biology to describe the condition of a female oviparous when carrying young internally.

[telefrag]

i'd highly recommend picking up the ross and marzec book

"the reproductive husbandry of pythons and boas"

ANYONE wanting to get into boid breeding should have that book, its an invaluable reference piece.

when it comes to snake breeding, everyone has different tricks that work for them, the best thing to do is get a baseline of information based on controlled events (like that book) and then develop your own strategies that work with your animals and set up.

breeding snakes isnt simply a matter of knowing when to cool them, and how long it takes to get babies from copulation.
Snakebreeding efforts require an overall mindset and basic care routine.

that being said, you should really check out that book, it can answer just about any question (and more) that you may have.

[Rex322]

yea, i was wonderin that so that i knew the signs, and an approx. time to look for them

[Aaron_NSBM]

Common boa constrictors reach sexual maturity anywhere from 18 months (males) to 3 years (females) of age. This does not always mean that an 18-month-old male & 3-year-old female will be breedable, just a general age range. Breeding size occurs at lengths of 3'+ (males) and 6'+ (females). A female boa should be well-muscled and "thick" before breeding, without the lanky appearance of a subadult boa. Breeding season in captivity typically ranges from November to March. Stop all feeding at this time. Animals should be well established and in excellent condition before any breeding is attempted. Breeding may be induced by reducing daytime photoperiod to 8 - 10 hours and dropping nighttime temperatures into the mid 70's. Introduce the female into the male's cage approximately 7-14 days after feeding is stopped. Misting the animals with water may induce breeding activity. Ovulation in female boas is usually pretty obvious: thick mid-body swelling as if the animal has eaten a HUGE meal. Females typically shed 14-20+ days after ovulation. Provide a basking spot of 90 - 92 degrees for gravid females. After ovulation, females can be fed small prey items every 14 days if necessary. Female common boas may give birth to a litter of over 50 neonates after a 120 -150 day gestation period.

hope this helps!

	Gravid Gravid term used in biology to describe the condition of a female oviparous when carrying young internally.

[Ranger]

Hey Northstar - that is a stellar post.

[Aaron_NSBM]

well thanks ranger got it from a website that alot dont like though!