Reptile & Amphibian Forums

At what age can a female Rattler first breed? Is it a matter of size?

Please let me know. Thank you.

It varies from species to species, or even subspecies. It also varies by locality, and even climate patterns. But generally 2.5-3 years for both sexes.

We are finding C. lepidus females cycling late in their second fall (15-16 months). Same with C. willardi. The gravid ones are almost always being attended by an "older" male (some of the age guesses are obviously speculative). We have also seen very young ones paired up through their sceond winter.

I believe breeding is purely groceries and resources related. If they can get enough calories on board in a socially conducive environment with enough heat and home security, they will go at pretty much any age. This seems particularly so for wild ones and younger age breeding. In captivity, I have had 15 y/o females have large broods if you get them what they need when they need it.

Hope this helps.

You're getting willardi to breed at 15 months? Seems almost impossible to me since they appear to be such slow growers. Please e-mail me: rob_bryson2002@yahoo.com.

Hi Rob. We are seeing 15 month olds cycling. They are having their first brood the following summer. H.

EAch is different. If you got it as a newborn and bullk it up right then it is POSSIBLE you could breed it that soon. But it all depends on the species too.
If it is a wild caught or if you got it from someone else at a older age, it could take longer.
Some of the females out here dont breed till they are 5 years old!
But no matter what age they become breedable, always make sure they are healthy and have plenty of bulk. Giving birth is so hard on snakes bodies. If they are not properly cared for, not given the proper nutrients and have enough reserves they get very sick and even die from birthing.