So I am going to venture into the realm of kingsnakes. I have been eyeing the MBK's for a while now. I would like to get a pair and breed these guys.

My questions are how often do they eat each other during breeding? Is brumation very important? How do other breeders in Florida go about it? I am located on the east coast of central Florida and I don't really know if it gets cold enough. I read the thread that says it is not necessary but I am just trying to gather some info.

Any pointers or pearls of wisdom would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Kelly

Well, I am going to attempt to breed them for the first time this upcoming season without brumation, so I will let you know. The rest of my colubrids breed just fine without brumation, so I do not expect any issues.

I would just try it. I am thinking more and more that light cycles are more important than brumation temps. I would put them in the coolest room and then try to breed in the spring. I would never leave the pair together unattended as I always fear cannibalism. Breeding should start fairly quickly after introduction.

Dan

Thank you both very much. I love the look of these guys and I find them intriguing. I am picking up what is supposed to be a female this weekend from a kid who doesn't like her feeding response. (he gets bit) LOL I am totally cool with a snake that never turns down a meal. :) So once I get the little guy/gal home set 'em up and verify the sex I will be visiting this side of the forums much more often. If you all know any good care sheets please let me know. I am planning on setting it up in a 10g with 2'' of sanichips, water bowl and small UTH in the bedroom for a couple months for quarantine. Once that is over I will move it to my snake room in a rubbermade tub with the deep sanichips and a water bowl. The temp in that room fluctuates from 86 in the summer to 78-76 in the winter. Does it sound like a plan?

Kings are an unpredictable bunch. I had one male that would breed the female and then immediately try to eat her. Always had to keep an eye on him. I had others that I could leave together for days with no problems. I guess the point is, always err on the safe side and when they breed, keep an eye on them. MBKs are awesome animals!

I cool mine slightly during the winter while the rest of my room is cooling for the pythons. Nights are around 65-70, and days are in the mid to upper 70's. They have bred for me with no problem using this method.

As for cannibalism, I haven't had any, and can leave them together indefinitely. Like Ron said, though, you always want to keep an eye on them.

Mike don't they double clutch for you as well?

Getula should breed fine with without significantly low brumation temps. Other Kingsnakes such as Mexicana, Zonata, Pyromelana, Ruthveni and Alterna will not breed successfully without a true brumation period.

As for them killing one another.....
You got to know your snakes. I pair some of mine up all Spring and Summer without any worries. There are some I only pair up when I want them to breed and watch them the entire time......
You'll find out which ones you trust and which ones you don't.

My MBKs aren't up to breeding size yet but I have bred Cal kings, Splendida, Chains, and Pueblan Milks. Normally they are way too horny to even think about eating each other. I have only ever had one incident where a male Chain tried to eat the female. Normally if one doesn't try to eat the other within the first few minutes of being together, you don't have too much to worry about.