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Courting behavior in Bitis gabonica.
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by 420Reptiles on June 20, 2005
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Behavior: courting-breeding behavior by Bitis in June.
Animals are approx. 42"- male,36"- female.
Cage size is 7x3x3
Have been together since April 7th 2005, this is the first time I have observed this behavior between these two animals.
I have always been told the breeding season was later in the year-Oct.,Nov,Dec.
Also, is my female to small?
Any help/comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Jonathan
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RE: Courting behavior in Bitis gabonica.
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by Phobos on June 20, 2005
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Hi:
From what I just read (Venomous Snakes, Snake in the terrarium, Ludwig Trutnau) before answering they seem to mate April to June or August to as late as December.
I don't know if she's too small to breed but consider they're already too many Gabbys available on the market most of the time. They can have as many as 60 young at a pop. What are you gonna do with all those young Gabbys? Maybe you should consider NOT letting them breed.
Good Luck,
Al
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RE: Courting behavior in Bitis gabonica.
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by Dadee on June 20, 2005
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I agree with Al on this one....imagine that. No offense Al. Anyhow, the market is OVERWHELMED with gabbys. I'd hold off on letting them breed bud. No need to inundate yourself with a huge brood, that you'd have no idea of how to "dump". Just imagine the effort your putting into those 2 gabbys right now, now double that by a count of 20 to 30...not a great idea.
Perhaps you might just like to watch the two of them "thumb wrestle", but the amount of work you will wind up paying for their 2 hour ordeal, will wind up costing you "tube or Boob time" depending on your situation :-)
Cheers,
MJ
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RE: Courting behavior in Bitis gabonica.
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by Richie on June 25, 2005
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Hi guys.
Jonathan, I personally would wait until she is around 48 Inches or so, before attempting to breed her. She probably could make it through the ordeal of copulation, gestation and giving birth (providing she is healthy, has good weight etc)... but it would be better to wait until she is larger and more "mature". One thing is for certain... larger snakes breed more successfully and safely, compared with smaller snakes.
I know that the market is rather swamped with Gaboon Vipers at the moment. But, surely it is our RESPONSIBILITY to successfully reproduce our serpents (venomous or not) to provide healthier, captive bred animals for the hobby - and of course to relieve the pressure from wild populations.
I know the argument for "cheaper" captive farmed/wild caught animals vs "more expensive" captive bred animals, but surely captive bred is the most sensible way forward.
What are your thoughts??
Regards
Viperman (UK)
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