John,

I understand you generally observe power feeding yields more eggs, but the thayeri example -- at least the info provided -- doesn't relate to that. Did she always lay smaller clutches before you got her? And were you told that previous owner didn't feed her much prior to breeding? And re: your generalization, do you always power feed? Do it selectively? If you're always doing it--and if i thought it led to greater reproductive success, i'd do it consistently (I do and i do) anyway, if you're always feeding aggressively, then where's the comparison, to lead to this conclusion?

Terry





>>I have noticed that feeding multiple meals often before breeding and egg laying yields more eggs. I think a higher caloric intake while the female is producing egg follicles is necessary for her to produce a greater number of follicles.

>>

>>I have had a breeder female Thayeri that has laid eggs the last 4 years. I got her as an proven adult breeder and she has consistently laid 13 eggs every year with a hatch rate over 90%.

>>

>>I see nothing wrong with "powerfeeding" an adult female right out of hibernation until she lays her clutch. The key is multiple food items as often as she will eat. She will use the calories, protein and vitamins for egg follicle production.

>>John Lassiter

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