I have a pair of corns that I would like to breed, but I'm not sure where to start. First of all, they have been living in the same cage for about 16 months. Also, I'm not sure how to put them into hibernation, or if I need to at all. If I leave them together as they are now, will they breed on their own? Or do I need to separate them for a bit then put them back? If I do hibernate them, when do I start? Also, when should they be put together for mating? Sorry for so many questions, I'm not sure how to do this. If they don't breed this coming year I don't mind, I'll just try again next time. Thanks!
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Questions about breeding corns
- Thread starter ryan98012
- Start date
PtDnsr
I like calculus
It is my personal opinion that you should do more research on husbandry (search for cohabitation or cannibalism) before you think of breeding. You might also want to pick up Kathy Love's book if you haven't already and do a search on egg binding (a very real possability with young snakes). I wouldn't suggest breeding until the female is around 3' long and over 300g (general rules IMO). This thread will most likely start a series of answers going back and forth - it's one of those topics one most of us feel very strongly about one way or the other. Oh...and first thing is first - separate your corns now. Then do the research. The worry about breeding for the 2007 searson. Just my opinion.
~Katie
~Katie
wakajawacka
bcbob
Are you serious? THAT many snakes and you haven't researched basic understanding? C'mon now. I'm having trouble believing you.
If what you suggest is true, then you should have read and reread the many posts on this list and others (EVERYTHING you've asked has been covered TENFOLD), bought some good books, and learned about your snakes BEFOREHAND. Please don't breed till you're ready. 20 little babies are a handful and a half for someone who KNOWS what they're doing, let alone someone who doesn't. Sorry if I sound aggressive- I just wish folks would do better research before acquiring a live animal, and further wishing to produce more.
If what you suggest is true, then you should have read and reread the many posts on this list and others (EVERYTHING you've asked has been covered TENFOLD), bought some good books, and learned about your snakes BEFOREHAND. Please don't breed till you're ready. 20 little babies are a handful and a half for someone who KNOWS what they're doing, let alone someone who doesn't. Sorry if I sound aggressive- I just wish folks would do better research before acquiring a live animal, and further wishing to produce more.
How big are these corns, specifically the female? Like has been said, if that gal isn't up to breedable size yet, you'd be better off separating them until she is. Breeding too young (i.e. at too small of a size) can increase the risk of egg binding and puts a lot of stress on the female.
Corn snakes do not require brumation (the snake version of hibernation), but it does help you time their cycling. Without brumation, mine have usually bred sometime in February or March on a midwest natural light schedule. It's a lot easier to miss the female's cycle without brumation.
Yes, if the female ovulates, the male will breed her. Separating doesn't change that. Again, please please be sure the female is large enough before thinking about breeding them.
On the cohabitation issue, do a search and you'll see numerous, lengthy threads on the subject (you may start with Kathy's FAQ in a thread at the top of the Newsletter forum). My personal opinion is that cohabitation adds stress to the snakes, which may cause no perceivable trouble in some, and may cause problems in others. I don't advocate cohabitation and feel that snakes should be put together only for breeding.
Most people start brumating right about now and bring them out in 3 to 4 months. Expect the female to come into season for breeding after the 1st or 2nd shed from brumation. Some may go longer, just try them weekly. The male will be very interested when she's ready.
ghosthousecorns
Well-known member
I like to wait until females are at least 3 years to breed even if they seem big enough. Here's some things to think about, if you do it will you have housing and be able to afford food for all the little ones? Snakes can have large amounts of eggs and some will double clutch so potentially the one breeding and you could be overwhelmed by snakelings. Then there's the time you spend getting the difficult feeders started and the heartbreak when you have to euthanize one if it won't thrive. It can be hard to sell them because there's a lot already out there, especially if you do not have a morph that is in high demand, are you prepared to have them for a while, for all those extra cage cleanings, water changes, etc? If you can say yes to all of this then go for it, I wish you luck! I think it's a good idea to look through other threads like this one and just about all your q's will be answered.