|
1-4 of 4 messages
|
Page 1 of 1
|
|
Keeping and breeding Crotalus atrox
|
Reply
|
|
by Tudor on October 4, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I need to know if someone have a paper or extended information about captive care and breeding of Crotalus atrox.
many thanks
|
| |
|
RE: Keeping and breeding Crotalus atrox
|
Reply
|
|
by Time on October 4, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Not much to it. Make sure they are large enough with good body weight, age isn't a factor with them but 3 years old is advisable. Cool them to 50 degrees for a 2-3 months, put them together on/off (until copulation is observed) in the spring while feeding the female heavily and that should do it.
If they are cooled enough in the fall, they may breed then also. A pair of mine out on breeding loan were hooked up yesterday.
|
| |
|
RE: Keeping and breeding Crotalus atrox
|
Reply
|
|
by lostriverdoc on October 4, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Here in So.Arizona it's even easier. We don't get a real winter per say so no cooling is necessary. All my Crotalus are kept @ a constant temp of 75-80 degrees all year in my Exhibit. I introduced a male WDB to my female, and a male Mohave to my female on Labor Day. Mating took place for the Mohave's with-in and hour of introduction and the following morning for the WDB. So we'll see the outcome in a few short months.
|
| |
|
RE: Keeping and breeding Crotalus atrox
|
Reply
|
|
by Silver on October 5, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Following standard reproductive husbandry for North American colubrids will do.
When preparing your animals for brumation they need be well fed through out the summer. Since they don't feed during this winter dormancy, they depend on their fat stores to stay alive during this period.
If you stopped feeding your animals now and allow them to get all the poop out gradually lower your temps to 55F. Commence brumation on Nov. 1. Keep them in the dark. Make sure you have water available at all times. Check them a couple times a week. Hold them at these temps for for 6-12 weeks (12 weeks is better). The cooling period is an external factor necessary to stimulate hormones to produce ova (in females) and sperm (in males).
As you bring them up, gradually increase your temps. It is now time to offer them food. I always feed my females heavily, as she will need the adequate fat stores to support developing embryos. Feed her as much as she wants. Males on the other hand will do fine on a normal maintenance diet.
After a period of time your female will go into shed. After she does, wait 2-4 days, and you can introduce her to the male or vice versa. Take care that your enclosure is big enough.
Courtship may commence immediately or it may take awhile. I always left mine together for a couple of days. I also would seperate my pairs and re-introduce them so that the mood does not become stagnate.
Also, using multiple males insures conception. The drawback is that you won't be able to trace your genetics. It depends on what is most important to you.
Continue to introduce your male(s) until you are certain the female is gravid.
Breeding C. atrox is about as difficult as growing grass. This has worked in the past for me. Hope it helps.
Sean P.
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this topic.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Check our help page for help using
, or send questions, comments, or suggestions to the
Manager.
|
