A ~ C ~ S~N~A~K~E~S Snake Breeders Based in Leicestershire, England, UK

BREEDING GREAT PLAINS RATSNAKES Pantherophis emoryi Rough Guide Timetable Pairs are normally introduced following the first slough out of brumation and mating is not normally initiated quickly. We have known mating to only be initiated after the second slough out of brumation. After successful mating it is normally around 1 month until the female completes a pre-lay slough. A gravid great plains ratsnake will normally go off her food quite quickly and it is advisable to reduce the size of the food offered until after her post-lay slough. From pre-lay slough to egg laying is approximately 10 - 14 days. From egg laying to post-lay slough is approx 2 weeks. Incubation time is approx 2 months. If the female is double clutching, depending on your incubation temperature, hatching of the first clutch will occur at approximately the same time as the second clutch is being laid. Brumation 2 months at 12°C (54°F) - 15°C (59°F) is recommended but not essential for successful breeding. Incubation Temperature 26°C (79°F) to 29°C (85°F) Expected Number of Eggs 6 to 16 eggs per clutch is usual and you could expect your female to double clutch . Incubation Days Normally 60 days at a constant temperature of around 28-28.5°C (82-84°F). Successful incubation has been achieved with temperatures between 26°C (79°F) and 29°C (85°F) but hatching would be expected to take anywhere between 52 and 85 days. Incubation method See our Guide to Incubating Snake Eggs. Caring for the Female Gravid Great Plains often refuse food whilst gravid therefore we recommend offering smaller food items whilst your female is gravid. Immediately after removing the eggs we place the female in a tub of fresh luke warm water to clean the substrate, particularly from her eyes and mouth and also to give her the chance for a much needed drink. At this time we offer her a single smaller food item and if she eats this, we continue with smaller food items a few days later, if she does not eat it we do not offer food again until after the post lay shed. We recommend feeding your female heavily using multiple smaller food items for the first month or so after laying. Hatchlings Great plains ratsnakes will complete their first shed approximately one week after hatching. In our experience, they do not normally present too much difficulty in taking their first meal. Recommended links www.ratsnakefoundation.org We have not experienced difficulties with breeding our great plains ratsnakes. Each first time female laid a good first clutch but lost a great deal of weight after laying and were then incredibly slow to regain the weight after laying which subsequently meant they needed a year off to fully recover. Following this year off, however, they lose hardly any weight at all after laying and more often than not will double clutch too. Our results have been no different with or without brumation. This breeding information guide has been written by us at AC Snakes for your information and guidance.   It will be updated and expanded as regularly as we are able, however it should not be used as your only source of care information.   Prior to purchasing or breeding any animal it is strongly recommended that you research extensively to ensure that you can provide the correct care for your pet and any resulting offspring.   Last updated April 2012

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