Reptile & Amphibian Forums

It’s been a while since this forum was THE hub for Heloderma breeders and I think it would be cool to bring it back This year has seen a big change in the Gila breeder landscape with old guard breeders retiring and some new guys taking up the mantle. What have we learned since Seward released his book in 2002? If you are new to Gila breeding what have you learned in the age of the internet? I hope some folks stop by here to answer! I’ll throw in my thoughts once we get the conversation started!

My gilas are doing well! I paired the adults last year, and got infertile eggs. I did not pair them this year.
The two juveniles are growing well.

I need to finish my post about pairing gilas, and two species of beadeds in 2025 and how all of that went.

One of the biggest things I learned, was observe your animals, for years. You'll see the degrees of normal. The entire reason I paired the second species of beaded this year was from observing these incredible animals. A beaded I thought was male, swoll up like a female ovulating. I had a known male (he'd left evidence in his enclosure prior), so I took the chance putting them together, knowing they'd lock, fight or ignore each other. The possible male immediately went to the other..... and turns out is female 100% confirmed.

That is awesome to hear, Jon! Every year working with Heloderma something new is learned. I have been lucky to have success with Gilas, and you are 100% right that observation and the willingness to adapt to what they are showing you is crucial to success. I have 10 eggs in the incubator right now and hope they all make it to term. I would have to say my biggest lesson learned is to only breed Gilas that are in excellent condition with good weight, eating habits, and healthy regular defecations. Nothing puts stress on a Gila, especially a female, like egg production and oviposition. It really is better safe than sorry!