Must I hibernate them for breeding?

[Stefan-A]

Although I would like to add that it's probably better for the health of your snake to give it a hibernation period.

You know more than I do for sure, but it would make sense to me that hibernation would have a negative effect? Wouldn't it cause stress and lower the immune system?

[Morph]

You know more than I do for sure, but it would make sense to me that hibernation would have a negative effect? Wouldn't it cause stress and lower the immune system?

My thoughts of it (purely speculation and not based on anything scientific) is that it gives the snake a "reboot". I always thought of it as a way of them to clean out thier system and start fresh for the next year.

[Snaky]

I certainly don't know more It's more something I've heard from others and experienced it myself.

It's true that it's a risk, but that's only for an unhealthy snake (sick, to thin, having parasites, ...). Of course you can't always see that your snake is unhealthy... Another thing is, you need to prepare it well. Nothing in the guts, no sudden drops, ... So I agree, it's always a risk.

Otherwise it's a normal cycle they do every year and it will longer their live. During the hibernation they go in a more 'passive mode'. It's like they don't age that much when in hibernation. They also look 'refreshed' once they are out of hibernation.