I purchased 2 very large females last season, they both dropped eggs and both went off feed for many months. I got them both feeding on African Rats, one will now only eat africans and the other will eat whatever you put in the cage, they are both gaining weight but in no way in shape to breed again this season.

I have talked to many many breeders and have found that 75% of imported gravid females that do lay and that do live do not breed for the next few years in captivity. I am not saying that they never will but I guess you can say there a little messed up from different countries and climates, no matter how much or hard we try to replicate thier wild enviorment it will never be 100% the same, some females take years to adjust.



I do not feel that importing these females are wrong, each year the different countries get quotas from fish and wildlife in their area, they are already restricted to how many CH babies, how many adult males and females and how many gravid females can leave the country. As others have said they are no were near exstinction. But there is a set amount by the country on how many animals are allowed to leave the country with no ill effect to the enviorment.



I have heard horror stories of imports and i have heard many sucsess stories also, it really depends on the animal and the owner and thier knowledge on imported animals. Some people have a knack for wild animals, others do not. Those that do not have experience in owning wild animals and have questions on feeding and care should not buy them.



Again Just my thought , experience and knowledge from other breeders and myself.



KIM

N.A.R.C

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