Breeding Age and Size?

[Brewster320]

I've tried looking up this infomation but haven't had any luck finding it. What is your preffered age and size for breeding both male and female garters?

[guidofatherof5]

Radix:

Females, mine usually want to start breeding between 18 months and 24 months.

Males, I've had males as young as 1 year old try to court females. I've never used a male that young before so I not sure he would have locked up with her. Most of my males are ready to go at 18 months.

As a rule, small females put out small groups.
I just had a first time(small) mom give me 4 babies(2 alive, 2 stillborn)
The more mature females have larger size babies and groups. This is working solely with my radixes.

[Brewster320]

How large was the female that gave you the small litter?

[guidofatherof5]

How large was the female that gave you the small litter?

24 inches
Here she is.

[ConcinusMan]

If you're wanting to breed easterns I would go with at least 2 years old for both the male and the female. Size depends on species and really is no indication of sexual maturity. I would say if your female is at least 18 inches (24 would be better) long and 2 years old, she can be bred. If you wait until she's bigger you could have better luck with offspring numbers and size though.

As was said before, the male can produce offspring at a very young age, and sometimes without brumating him, but you should choose a male that is about the same age as the female, or younger, and definitely choose a male(s) that is a little bit smaller than her.

[Brewster320]

Ok thanks for the infomation. I'll to do some measurement on my two. Imnot 100% on their sexes yet but I have some guesses.

[guidofatherof5]

Ok thanks for the infomation. I'll to do some measurement on my two. Imnot 100% on their sexes yet but I have some guesses.

We'd be more than happy to help with sexing them. We just need a few good photos.
The underside tail is what we need to see. Here's a link to give you an idea on what kind of photos to post.
It will also help you to make the ID.
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/show...ht=Sexing+Pics

[snakeman]

I think length of brumation has a lot to do with litter size too.

[ConcinusMan]

No doubt that temperature and length of brumation has an effect on fertility and everything else related to garter snake reproduction. However, the effect can have little influence or a lot, depending on species, genes, morphs, bloodlines, etc.

There is definitely more to be studied about the effects but I have a feeling our CB bloodlines (especially bred for unusual mutations) won't necessarily respond in the same way as various wild snakes. There is something hidden on a behavioral and genepool specific level, that is lost after generations of artificial selection.

The low fertility rate CB snakes could either be not long enough brumation, to warm in general, or a result of genetic coding, and of course all the above.

[Brewster320]

Sorry it took so long for the pictures, my computers been messed up. The picture quality isnt that great either because CVS does't like being touched and Griffen just ate so I didn't want to bug her to much.

Heres Griffen



and heres CVS, best picture I could get.


So far I'm still going with my first thought but I'll et you more experienced people be the judge.

And if any of you are wondering why I have a snake named CVS, I caught him a a local CVS store. I had to just the counter and dig through the register to get him. it was an...interesting..experience haha! Just so you guys don't go thinking I name my snakes after stores.