Ring-neck snakes -- scientifically named Diadophis punctatus -- are beautiful, harmless snakes, which are identified by the distinctive yellow or orange band around their neck. They can be found throughout most of the United States and Canada. Northern species usually inhabit mountainous regions and have no pattern on the underside of their bodies, while southern species tend to live in forests and wetlands and have a colored row or spots on their undersides [source: Vigil]. Because the ring-neck snake is harmless to humans, they make popular pets. If you're fascinated with ring-neck snakes and are interested in starting a snake-breeding business, read the tips listed below about how to breed ring-neck snakes.
- Prepping the snakes to breed Breeding snakes takes time, patience and accuracy to ensure that they breed well. Preparations should be made weeks in advance. Allow the male and female snake to hibernate during the winter months. Place them in a dark room with low temperatures. During this time, create a snake tank that will be the breeding area for the two snakes [source: Spuckler]. Ring-neck snakes reach sexual maturity when they're 3 years old, so you will find that reproduction is most successful when both snakes are in their fourth summer [source: Yung].
- Breeding Once the snakes have come out of hibernation, they will be ready to breed. The female will release pheromones, encouraging the male to pursue her. If the snakes mate in the spring, the eggs should be laid in early to mid summer. The female will lay between three and 10 eggs. The eggs will be white and oblong with yellow ends, and will be approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) long. Eggs tend to hatch around late summer or early fall [source: Yung].
- Treatment of eggs Don't be concerned if you notice that your snakes don't care for their eggs. Ring-neck snakes choose a nesting site for the eggs, lay them and then leave them to hatch [source: Yung].
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