How to Breed Green Mojave Rattlesnakes

Many people shy away from the thought of owning snakes, especially venomous ones. For those who are capable and, in most cases, licensed to own such reptiles, the Mojave rattlesnake, also called a "Mojave green," is one animal that looks similar to the western diamondback rattlesnake but has venom ten times more potent. For expert herpetologists (reptile enthusiasts), the time may come when you want to breed your Mojave green. Like other snakes, breeding Mojave greens in captivity takes some skill, practice, determination and patience.

Things You'll Need

  • Breeding cage
  • Separate cage for male
  • Food and homes for 9 to 12 babies
  • Thick, protective gloves and snake handling equipment
  • Access to anti-venom
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a breeding pair. For snakes that are ovoviviparous, or live bearing, like the rattlesnake, the health of the mother should be of utmost concern to the breeder. Only healthy snakes that have seen a veterinarian recently to confirm that neither has parasites should be bred. Rattlesnakes are sexually mature by 3 years old. Only rattlesnakes of similar size and age should be bred.

    • 2

      Create an ideal breeding environment. This should be a cage that mimics the desert of the southwestern United States, the native environment of the Mojave green. It should be heated to about 90 degrees during the day and be allowed to drop to 70 to 75 degrees at night. A large basking area should be placed on one side of the cage with a basking light over a large rock so that the snake may absorb the nutrients and heat that they need. Snakes are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, so the temperature is very important to ensure the health of the mother.

    • 3

      Introduce the pair after the first shedding of the year, which occurs a few weeks after brumation (the snake's period of hibernation, usually lasting until April but can be controlled and shortened in captivity). Introductions should occur in periods of 24 to 48 hours, two to three times a week for three weeks. Since the snakes are nocturnal, breeding most likely will occur at night. Keeping the cage covered with a black cloth will prevent ambient light and movement from disturbing the rattlers. All introductions should be in the mother's cage, also referred to as a breeding enclosure, which should be filled already with enough substrate to allow burrowing.

    • 4

      Observe the mother carefully for the next 90 days. Unlike most other reptiles, the rattlesnake does not lay her eggs but rather carries them inside of her, and then gives birth to live young. A normal clutch may consist of anywhere from two to 12 baby snakes. When the mother is ready, she will burrow down into the substrate and may not be seen again for a few days. It is extremely important not to disturb her during this time, as she may suffer fatal complications if moved or scared.

    • 5

      Remove the babies from the cage into their own cages after mother and babies return to the surface and the babies shed their first skins. At this point, the babies are entirely independent and ready to begin feeding on small insects. Extreme caution should be taken at this point because the babies are already venomous and much more aggressive than most adults.