Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have asked this question before, but got no response. I don't think its a dumb question, but maybe others do. Anyway, here it goes. How many seasons can you repeatedly breed the same female? Especially if she has 2 clutches? Or at what age should you consider retiring her? Thanks to anyone who replies.

Probably the reason you haven't had many replies is that there aren't any simple answers. Experienced breeders evaluate the health of their animals on a daily basis, and act accordingly. Noone can tell you: "Well, you can double clutch a female for X number of years before you give her X amount of time off to rest." It would be great if it were that simple, but part of the reason that consistent breeding is a real challenge is that it's not simple at all. Some of it you can learn from books, and the good advice you get on this forum, but some of it can only be had through experience.

My advice? be conservative. Don't try for double clutches right away-learn how your animals react under normal conditions before you try to push them to their limits.

Brad Chambers

Thanks Brad. I am only trying for one clutch at a time. I was just wondering. I am getting the books as I find the ones worth getting. I just received Merkers new book, mostly photos. As well as I have read every post on this site trying to learn everything I possibly can. If the health stays good, could you expect 5 good years out of a female? Or 10? Thanks again for the reply.

Just speaking for myself, I retire females once their clutch size starts to drop noticeably-this occurs at different ages for different females, but often around 8-11 years.....

Thanks!
Brad Chambers

Thanks again Brad. Thats what I was wondering. Just a ball park figure. I fully understand each animal and circumstances are different. I am just trying to gather as much info as I can. This will be my first time trying to breed GBKs. I used to breed white lipped vipers, which was a little different in some ways. But the same in others, especially the part about being cannibals. Have a nice weekend. Im sure there will be more questions, just bare with me.