Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I wanted to know how many of your big girls (2500g and up) produce for you back to back seasons? I have one that was 2500g in 06 she skipped 07 but this year she laid a clutch for me again. She was only 2700g this year so she's a slow growing girl. I also wanted to know how many of your 1st time breeders give you back to back clutches? I have 2 1400 girls due to lay any day now and I'm crossing my fingers I'll be able to get them back up to size by Nov. Thanks in advance!
Chris

My favorite female had a clutch of 7 in '05, wasn't bred in '06, then 5 eggs last year and 7 this year. Always huge perfect eggs. I was planning to give her next season off, but she's doing so well and putting so much weight back on already, I might as well breed her again. I saw one of Ralph's videos where he was taking eggs from a female who was laying for her 4th year in a row, so obviously it's OK. As long as they're healthy.

Good question .. . I'm interested in seeing others' replies.

We tend to breed our girls for 2 years in a row and then take 1 year off; assuming that they put weight back on between clutches. In regard to the young 1st time breeders, it would depend on what type (number, size, quality of egg, etc.) of first clutch she laid and whether she was up to size again. I may also stagger my starting time for breeding letting some wait to start until January or February. Here in Florida there isn't a noticeable change in seasons so it doesn't create any problems when we hold some back for a few months.
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Alice Cobb
Florida Reptile Room

This girl went last season and then again this season. As long as they are healthy and put the weight back on, I don't think there would be a problem.