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Re: Breeding
Like Don says, just make sure they haven't eaten for about 2 weeks. Keep them at normal temperature without feeding them for at least 10 days, then start dropping the temperature and photoperiod. I prefer to drop the temperature in fairly small increments (~5F per day), and decrease the photoperiod by about 2-4 hours per week. That's just my style. I think it helps them to acclimate to "fall" conditions, but there are other ways that work just as well. I've know "professionals" who simply stop feeding them and pull the plug on the lights one day.
Another thing I like to do is weigh the snakes before putting them into brumation. It helps you keep track of which ones are doing well, and which are losing weight, but this is fairly rare. Of course, they have to be mite-free and healthy before putting them into brumation.
If you want to put them down for 2-3 months, you'll need cooler temps for 2-3 months. Here in Alaska, I could put them down as late as Feb and still have 40-50 degree temperatures for three months, so start them whenever you're ready. Your offspring (if you choose to breed) will just be smaller next fall because they will have been born later. Best of luck,
Rick
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