First Time Breeder... Please Read

[Bdubedub]

So this year will possibly be my first time breeding, I have a male bumblebee thats 777 grams & a male pastel thats 1077 grams. They would be bred with a Female Kingpin, shes currently 1148 grams, hoping she will get to 1500 before breeding season is over.

1.) Whens the latest she can be bred this year?

2.) I dont have an incubator, im looking at the Turbo Fan Hovabator w/ a VE-100 Thermostat, how does that sound?

3.) When the eggs are laid.. Im going to fill a container with a 1-2" hatchrite and then get a plastic grate and keep the eggs on that, how much water to add to the hatchrite? Also how often do I need to add water? Does the container need air holes or no? The humidity needs to stay 99%? 86-89 degree's?

4.) What do I do when they reach day 60 if they havent hatched on their own? Do I cut at day 56 and then put the eggs on a wet papertowel with the lid back on in the incubator and wait for them to come out?

5.) When will they shed after they come out of the shell? Within a few days from what Ive heard and then they usually eat their first meal?

If theres anything else please let me know, I have read alot on breeding, but this is my FIRST time breeding anything and I want to do it right, not only for me, but for the baby snakes. Thanks for your help everyone!!

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Also does anyone have any experience with the Reptipro 5000/6000 or the Reptibator by Zoomed or the Exo Terra??

[Bdubedub]

Also, where does the tstat probe go? Just in the incubator? Also should I have a humidity gauge in with the eggs?

[AdamF]

No "official" season, but generally Nov-March. I'd say this year may be early for your F

[Kaorte]

1. They can breed year round as long as they are producing follicles. I started pairing for the first time in May.. no eggs yet!

2. Me personally, I like the home made incubators. Get a broken mini fridge or wine cooler, add some flexwatt, thermostat, and a fan and you are good to go!

3. Sounds like a good plan. You don't need to put air holes in the container, some people put one or two small holes, but opening the tub once every few days to exchange the air is enough. If you are using something to keep the eggs off the substrate, put lots of water in. You want the humidity as high as possible.

4. You can cut if you want, but if they are healthy they will come out on their own.

5. I'm fairly certain they don't usually eat until after they have shed. Usually a couple days or a week. Never had my own babies so I'm not 100% sure.


My best suggestion is to get your incubator and housing for the babies set up before you even start pairing. You don't want to put that stuff off til the last minute!