I don't know that there is any proof but I assume it is similar to the issues with breeding rainbow boa's at 2 years instead of waiting till 3 or later. You can do it but it normally results in smaller clutches, increased rate of complications, and slower recovery time for the female to bounce back.

Also, while still anecdotal, most of the very expewrienced corn breeders that I have discussed it with wait until the corns are at least 3 if not 4 or more years old. They said it was to get larger clutches with higher viability while at the same time maximizing the number of years for production from each breeder. The argument being that just like power feeding in some species seems to shorten total life span the strain of breeding before fully mature will shorten the breeding span and life span of the snake.

While neither argument is one I have seen proof for they are both arguments I see/hear very regularly from the breeders I talk to who have been breeding snakes for a long time.

Also keep in mind that when talking about establishing a new gene or morph the longevity concerns tend to be thrown out the window in favor of solidifying the morph.

Sean.
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1.1 BRB
1.1 Triple Het TPRS's
0.1 Silver TPRS
1.1 Amel Bloodred Corns
0.1 Abbott Okeetee Corn
0.1 Blizzard Bloodred Corn
1.1 Thayeri Kingsnakes
0.1 Reeve's Turtle
0.2 Amstaff's
1.0 Pudytat

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