Milksnake Brumation?

[R.W.]

Is brumation absolutely necessary for hondo milksnakes, or is it optional?
If it is optional, what would your suggestion be for a new breeder? To brumate, or not to brumate? That is the question.

I guess this could apply to quite a few other species, but since I plan on breeding some hondos, I wanted to be sure.

 

[wade]

I raise hondos and I brumate them. I don't know if it is absolutely necessary. It isn't really absolutely necessary for corn snakes but I think most people feel it is beneficial. If nothing else, it gives my wife a three month break from feeding and gives me three months to replenish the freezer.

 

[R.W.]

I raise hondos and I brumate them. I don't know if it is absolutely necessary. It isn't really absolutely necessary for corn snakes but I think most people feel it is beneficial. If nothing else, it gives my wife a three month break from feeding and gives me three months to replenish the freezer.

Hadn't thought about that, that would be a welcome "vacation".
I think I'll try brumating then, thanks for the help.

 

[mike17l]

Besides a break, it also allows you time to plan and anticipate. It sets up when they will be breeding. Without brumation, even if you observe breeding, it would be hard to know when to expect eggs (and thus babies). With brumation, you know 1. shed, 2. Breed, 3. eggs. You know when to expet everything. And the break is nice. Just think, do you really want to pay for mice for an extra 2-3 months, when you dont need to?