Reptile & Amphibian Forums

If you have a large female or if you have a female that drops below 1600g, but then builds back up. In either case is there any reason that she shouldn't be bred the following year?
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IMO, it depends. Some females need a break and some don't. For example, if a female was 2200g before laying but only got back up to 1900g at the start of the next season she'd need the year off even though she was over 1600g. That being said, I don't have a set in stone rule...if you know your animals you will probably be able to tell when they need a year off.

I had a similar situation with a girl this year. Laid 6 good eggs last year, took forever to start eating and didn't gain back the weight so she had the year off.

Lo and behold, 5 good eggs that she produced all by herself (and presumably the sperm from last year's companion). I guess it was her way of telling me that it's her body and she'll do what she wants with it. Seems I've got a pro-choice python on my hands...

Ultimately it's really the female's choice. I had a female I didn't think would lay and she did this year, and I had one I thought would lay because she had gained it all back and more...and she didn't even lock up for me...so..
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"What is man without the beasts?
If all the beasts were gone,
men would die from great loneliness of spirit.
For what happens to the beasts,
soon happens to men.
All things are connected."

-Chief Seattle (Duwamish Tribe)

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Hi,

I agree completely, breeding should be the female's option. Keepers do not know better than millions of years of evolution whether snakes should reproduce or not. If they gain enough weight back to grow palpable follicles, they should be given the opportunity to breed. I know, many people consider reabsorption of follicles to be no big deal, but for many species, it can damage the reproductive system and cause premature death. It is worse (more dangerous) to withold the option to reproduce, than to allow annual reproduction as long as adequate security (nesting) and temp (basking) options are provided. good luck.

Will

really...?...NO...breed them....feed them....
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........JY