Reptile & Amphibian Forums

like above, what is the average number of eggs a mature, good sized female would lay. and what is a good weight to breed a female...not a minimum weight, but a good weight? also, is there an age versus size thing on female hogs...I mean is it more important to have a certain age female, or is size a more important factor...given there is even a 'better'? I know ideally you want an older, big female...but if it were one or the other, which is better...or is this even a legit question? thanks, Rick.

Legitimate question.
This question has been asked before. In the wild in the Texas panhandle and in eastern Nm, western Hognose females can and do routinely breed at 100 grams.
These wc girls in my experience on average at this size lay 5 eggs.
I assume these females to be at least 2.5 yrs old. All depends upon the food intake.

In captivity, for me, I have seen males breed successfully and sire fertile clutches at 6 months old and as little as 35 grams. Females bred at 100 grams and same age. I have seen others post info that males breed for them at 25 grams.

Many breeders prefer to wait to breed females at past 200 grams.
A 200 gram hog female can lay 8 to 12 eggs. I've seen nothing that would lead me to believe that breeding at small sizes stunts growth or produces deformities etc.
I would however advise against breeding a malnourished male or female as breeding does take its toll on the overall health of any animal.

Hope that helps
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Thank you,
Kevin Rhodes

http://s212.photobucket.com/albums/cc314/lifesciences/?action=view�t=09-09hognose001.jpg

thanks Kevin. I would probably wait until 200 grams. I know how boas and even retics do...and they do better with some size...and I am more interested in the keeping aspect than the breeding. the only reason I am going to breed, is because I cant afford to buy some of the morphs I want...so I will produce my own. thanks again, Rick.