Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Since the next breeding season is closing in, I was wondering what was the earliest or smallest I can breed females. I have 3 females and all are around 1100 grams. They are all 09's and is it possible to have them breeding this season? Any positive input is appreciated. Thanks.

Steven Mendoza

This topic is up for debate. Most people stick to 1500 grams or higher, while others say 1600 is the magic number.
I've heard of people breeding as low as 1200...and once even a 900 gram female laying.

I think the general consensus is 1500 grams or higher though...so if you start breeding in November and they are good eaters, you might be able to.
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Thanks for the response and input. I have heard the same things as well. I live in souther california and the temps here will take a while to drop so I have a little more time to pack on the weight. Luckily they are great eaters so if at least one is over 1200 grams I will put a male in see what happens. Thanks.

Steven

a female of that size will/can breed....however the smaller they are, the probability of something going wrong increases.

get as much weight on them as you can and you should be good.

Pitoon

>>Since the next breeding season is closing in, I was wondering what was the earliest or smallest I can breed females. I have 3 females and all are around 1100 grams. They are all 09's and is it possible to have them breeding this season? Any positive input is appreciated. Thanks.
>>
>>Steven Mendoza
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I would agree that a female of that age at that size may have a higher probability of having problems...but I have several girls that for whatever reason, are 5 or 6 years old, and just won't get over the 1200-1400 gram mark. But, we waited until they were around 3-4 years, and they give us good eggs each year, with no issues. Don't get me wrong though. They definitely give us smaller clutches, but the eggs are every bit as healthy as the ones from larger clutches, and it takes no more out of the smaller girls than it does the larger ones.