Brazilian rainbows reach sexual maturity anywhere from 18 months to 3 years of age. Breeding size occurs at lengths of 3' for males and 5.5' for females. Breeding season in captivity typically ranges from November to March. Stop all feeding at this time. Animals should be well established and in excellent condition before any breeding is attempted. Breeding may be induced by reducing daytime photoperiod to from 12 -14 hours to 8 hours, dropping nighttime temperatures in the 68 - 72 F range, and daytime temperatures into the low 80's F. Introduce the female into the male's cage. Misting the animals with water may induce breeding activity. Females typically shed within 30+ days of ovulation. After 115 - 135 days of gestation, female Brazilian rainbows may give birth to litters of 10 - 30+ live young. These snakes are bred extensively in captivity, with several breeders specializing in nothing but rainbow boas.
|