Black Milksnake breeding behavior

Has anyone who has bred these noticed if both male and female during courtship display the jerking motions, or is it only the male? I have a strange feeling that the female i've been raising for the last 5 years is actually a male; when I introduce a male to 'her' cage, they both do the 'jerky dance'...lol. Any input would be greatly appreciated...thanks!

kinda the wrong time for introductions, isn't it???
why not just check to see what you have? or, should I say, what they have?

both can, and will jerk like that, though...the males do it when they are excited, the females to bump them away, lol

Actually, considering in there natural habitat, there isn't a whole lot of difference between the seasons being so close to the equator, so it doesn't seem like there would really be a 'wrong' time if both are receptive.

I haven't checked because to be honest I'm not comfortable with probing (slight shaking problem), and I have to find a new vet, the one I was seeing is no longer accepting appts for reptiles.
You're definately right about the bumping, 'she' can do it with such force she can knock over her ceramic water dish without much effort..lol.

Thanks Harald.

Originally Posted by FragginDragon

Actually, considering in there natural habitat, there isn't a whole lot of difference between the seasons being so close to the equator, so it doesn't seem like there would really be a 'wrong' time if both are receptive.

Actually, I was under the impression that the black milks were a montain species...with generally lower temps than we keep most species, and with a normal winter brumation period

Not one specific thing, just experimenting to see if there is something(s) I can make note of which could cause a paradigm shift in the field, so to speak. I'll let you know if I come up with anything though...

They are, but those mountains ranges are still pretty close to the equator, so the temp shift is not all that drastic season to season (about 10 degrees). The day/night temps may range from about 55 to 80. The temps stay relatively the same year round; the rainfall amount, on the other hand, could be a more important trigger to the breeding season.

The reading I have done on them seems to indicate that they still go through a dormant/brumation period during our winter months. I haven't bred them before, but I put my pair in the basement with the bulls

That is what I am doing with mine too Harald. The y guy I bought mine from said to cycle them just like corns or kings.... Must be right as she has produced 2 years in a row for him.