For now, let’s cover the basics of breeding corn snakes. As you become more experienced, you’ll probably learn your own techniques and modifications to the process. We’ll provide detailed guidance regarding each stage of the breeding process from brumation to birth. Similarly, put some money aside for vets bills, just in case you need it. For example, do your research to see if there is a market for corn snakes in your area before you commit to anything. If nothing else, being aware of these pitfalls can help you to be more prepared. Breeding can occasionally result in disease or injury so do you have a bit set aside for potential vets bills if this were to happen?.Are you happy to invest in an incubator? Although some snake breeders have found ways to repurpose old equipment into an incubator-of-sorts, it’s advisable for beginners to invest in a purpose-built incubator.Do you have time to monitor your snakes on a daily basis? Changing water bowls and monitoring humidity levels might only take a few minutes but these duties can seem draining if your hearts not really in it.Are you hoping to sell the babies, and if so, are you confident you will sell them? Is there a market for them in your area? Corn snakes can have large clutches, so you need to be prepared to house your snakes while you try to sell them.If you’re uncertain about whether snake breeding is right for you, ask yourself the following questions: Snake breeding does take a lot of commitment, but many people find it to be a rewarding hobby. However, if you plan to keep any of the babies, set them up in a larger vivarium. Homes for your hatchlings – You could opt for plastic boxes in a rack.Plan early because shortages sometimes occur during the breeding season. Additional food supply for your hatchlings – you’ll need to have plenty of baby mice.A spray-top water bottle (for misting the nesting box, incubating box, and substrate).A substrate that retains moisture (coconut, aspen shavings, sphagnum moss, etc.).A specialist incubating medium (e.g., vermiculite, clay).If you don’t want to buy an incubator, you could use a glass tank and a heat pad with a thermostat. One will be used as a ‘nesting box’ for your snake to lay her eggs in, and several will be used to place the eggs in before they are put in the incubator. Plenty of plastic boxes with lids (reptile boxes or repurposed boxes).As you progress, you may decide to use alternative methods, but the following checklist provides a good ‘beginners’ list of equipment needed to breed corn snakes.Īssuming you’ve already housed your adult snakes, you’ll need the following additional equipment as a breeder: Equipment You Will NeedĪs a breeder, it’s essential to have the right equipment to hand before you start. So, after your female has laid her eggs, it won’t be long before your adults are ready to brumate and the process starts over again. The entire process takes the best part of a year. Perform a thorough physical check to make sure they are both in good health. Females will need plenty of food to recuperate, but males will not need any more than usual. Caring for your Adults – It’s important to care for your adults after mating season.Have suitable enclosures prepared ahead of time to house your new babies. Hatching – Await the arrival of your hatchlings.Ensure the temperature is around 78-80 ☏ (26-27 ☌) and humidity is 75-80%. Egg Incubation – Retrieve the eggs gently and place them in a suitable incubator for about 8 weeks. Egg Laying – Provide a secluded and humid place for your female to lay her eggs.Waiting –Take good care of your snakes for 4-6 weeks until the female is ready to lay her eggs.This will ensure the male can easily detect the female’s pheromones. If you want to ensure a rapid mating response, increase humidity slightly. Mating – Introduce the male to the female. Once the male has shed his skin, you’ll know that mating season is imminent. Feed them 2-3 meals a week as your snakes need to build their strength back up. Warming – Begin to warm the snakes in late February or early March.Breeding corn snakes without brumation is not recommended.
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