There has been alot of talk about the negavitiy of buying/keeping adult WC females. Some of it was based on true experinces, some of it was heresay.
I propose to do a online forum real time study to see exactly what happens to at least one WC imported gravid female.
I know this won't prove anything concrete... but it will at least get some information out to the people who "might" in the future, think about obtaining any.
I do not recommend nor discredit anyone wishing to work with Wild caught animals. This is just an experiment.
I have a group of WC females I hold back each year, that for one reason or another look promising. Let it be color, size or pattern. To my dismay, it's usually the ugler ones that produce the nicest babies. You would think it would be otherwise.
I would say, it depends on what male breeds the female over in the mother country.
I will naturally record all the information on all the females I have, but here, let's just work with one. If anyone wishes to have the information on the others, just email me and I will be happy to release any info I have.

WC GRAVID Female 2007-12-Normal Type

Imported Dec 28 2006
Weight 2580 grams

Was set up in a 44 Qt Rubbermaid with Shredded Mulch
Back ground temps at 80 degrees and basking spot at 89 degrees

IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v151/NightCreatures/eggsfromWCgravid005Medium.jpg

She shed Jan 13, 2007

During this time, I have not attempted to feed her.
I did treat her for all external parasites.

On Feb 15th, she laid 10 fertile eggs.



I remove the eggs and incubate them at 88 degrees.

Here she is after being removed from the eggs

IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v151/NightCreatures/eggsfromWCgravid012.jpg

I weigh the eggs and place them in a container with 50/50 vermiculite and water. I write all the information on the seal (I use 1/2 inch glass)





I remove all the bedding from her container and replace with fresh bedding. I will wait for her to shed (usually within a week) and will offer her a few small rats after she sheds.

I will post again on her progress. She currently weighs in at 1675 grams. The clutch weighed 941 grams.
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Ron Billingsley
www.ronbillingsleyreptiles.com

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