Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[Stubbs]

2 days ago i bought a pair of white sided texas ratsnakes that i think are 04s (they're 3 foot) but were sold as 05s and are quite thin. I don't think that they have been cooled. However, I think that they may be mating. I have the viv covered to help them settle in but a couple of times when I've taken a peek they're bodies have been stretched out together from head to tail, not fully intwined but nearly. They are quite nervous, separating when they saw me, so I'm not sure if my disruption stopped what was or was about to be mating. Could this be the case?

[Scott W]

yep, certainly could if they are big enough (although 3ft seems a little small). Quite a few of the ratsnakes have been bred without a proper hibernation period, although success and fertility is greatly improved if they are hibernated.
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Please DO NOT pm orders for reptiles, send email instead scott@captivebred.co.uk

[peaches]

I don't know how experienced you are but I will just reply to this as thoroughly as I can - excuse me if some seems basic to you but..

They could well have been mating, were their tails like this


These are kingsnakes but just to give you an idea.

If a female snake does become gravid(pregnant) before she is mature enough, there could be complications, such as dystocia(egg binding), this is when the female cannot lay her eggs, then that usually means a trip to the vet.

It could then also stunt the females growth.

It is best to house snakes separately unless you want to breed. As a general rule, ratsnakes should really be at least 3 years old before breeding and in good health.

What I suggest is that you separate them and hope that she does not become gravid.

Why are you covering the viv? is it in a busy part of the house? I would leave the viv uncovered to get them used to everything around them.