Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just wondering if anyone has bred a 9-10month old male boa. I know Prehistoric Pets bred a 9 month old male Retic a couple of times. Any one have any luck with this?

although by heavy feeeding a male boa could get some size at 9 months, I believe it would be a hazard to his health to try to breed that earlier. I even shy away from breeding 18 month old males, I find they are way better breeders at 2-3 years of age.

Chris Nicholas

>>although by heavy feeeding a male boa could get some size at 9 months, I believe it would be a hazard to his health to try to breed that earlier. I even shy away from breeding 18 month old males, I find they are way better breeders at 2-3 years of age.

I agree, however it also depends on size and health as well.

I'll try an 18 - 24 month old male, but if shows no interest in a few days I just move on with another male.

I've had the best luck with healthy 2-3 yr old males.
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
0.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow
1.0 Ghost
0.1 Possible Super Hypo
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Suriname/Columbian cross
0.1 Anerthrystic

1.1 Morelia Clastolepis

I guess it depends on the animals involved. I've had some hardy 18 mo. old males breed multiple females that delivered perfect litters. They then resumed feeding and were fantastic breeders the following year. I've also had 18 month old males that didn't have the slightest interest in breeding.

If a young male (18 mo.) has the genes that I'm interested in using and appears physically up to it, I might give him a shot. But, I don't depend on them too much and tend to keep older males in the wings, prepared to step in.

9 mos. is just too young, in my opinion, but that's just my opinion and not based on any science.

Mark
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uncommonboa.com

I strongly agree with Chris!
I too avoid breeding males even at 18 months.

You run a high risk of losing your male at that age in my opinion. I learned that the hard way early on. I'm sure you'll get all sorts of people saying....oh, I did it and it was just fine.

My feeling is. That's good for them. What I've found is...

Treat your boas, the way you want them to treat you!!
The Golden Boa Rule~! ^_^
Giving my snakes time to grow and mature has paid off in that they are bigger, stronger, and in better condition to recoup from the stressful breeding season and will produce for me for years and years

>>You run a high risk of losing your male at that age in my opinion.

Just curious as to what would cause them to die? I would think they just wouldn't show any interest. Is it because they try to breed and basically breed themselves to death (using lots of energy and not eatting)?

I also like to let mine mature a bit before breeding, the youngest male I've bred so far was 3 years and I usually wait for my females to be at least 5-6 yrs old. However, I do have a young male that I'd like to try for this next season but don't want to risk it if there's a chance he may pass away due to the breeding.
Thanks!
-April
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'There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."' -Rainshadow

I'm curious too April. I've heard about the "breed himself to death" concept before, but have yet to experience it (and I hope I never do!) However, I am not so sure that would necessarily be a result of breeding young, but instead probably a result of breeding in less than prime weight/health (at any age). I have bred more than a few 18 mo. old males, and have yet to loose one or even have one appear to be worse for the wear because of it.

I do take exception to the idea that allowing an 18 mo. old male boa to attempt to breed somehow demonstrates lack of care or concern about the animal's health on the part of the owner/breeder. That is in most cases, simply not true.

Mark
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uncommonboa.com