Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How many females can you breed one honduran male with, while maintaining good results?

Are you talking about a fully grown adult male, after a good brumation? Personally I have had great success with 1 male and 5 females, I'd guess there's a good chance he could even handle more.

OK, thanks. I had some concern about my ratios, but if that is the case I am in good shape.

>>Are you talking about a fully grown adult male, after a good brumation? Personally I have had great success with 1 male and 5 females, I'd guess there's a good chance he could even handle more.

joe
i've had a male succeed with eight to ten. NOt that all of them would, though.
terry

Thanks Terry, I had a group that was at 1.4 but it appears that will not be a problem.

>>Thanks Terry, I had a group that was at 1.4 but it appears that will not be a problem.

Shouldn't be.

I don't think i mentioned in my post, but when using a male with many females, it's important not to leave them together for a long time: Left together 24 hours, for ex, a male might copulate who knows, up to half a dozen times with that one female. At least the potential for that exists. But that's six deposits of sperm that could otherwise be shared with five other females. I monitor breedings carefully, remove the female after a single copulation and then re-pair them again maybe three or four days later, then five days after that, then five after that, for a total of 4 cops over a couple weeks. With more females, i'll settle for 3x over 2 weeks (breed; wait a week and breed again; wait a week and breed for 3rd time). Or breed once, again after 4 days, again after 6, for 3 in a 10 day period. I've gotten excellent fertility using these schemes. But the key is that this activity has to take place when the animals are "ready"--enthusiastic breeders, it's fine; but if the male has to pursue a reluctant female, you're probably not in the right window of opportunity and results won't be as good as when she's eager & lifting her tail in invitation & readiness, that's when nature's saying "yeah, this would be a good time...."

terry

I totaly agree with Terry, I also watch all copulation activity, a receptive female will not flee and often gets mounted with minimal courship. I aim for three good copulations per female.

I will give the male a 24 hr break in between copulations to build back amo. This same male serviced 6 females with 100% fertility rate on first clutches BUT seemed to run out of steam for second clutches, althought this could also be associated with female fertility on second clutches...

Yes,
I have had my tangerine albino male and my ghost ,male take care of atleast 8 or 9 females each.

also,Two years ago (because I bring my stuff before he does)I let my ghost male to all his work on 8 or 9 girls and then I sent him to Terry and he got a couple more girls bred out there?

I have noticed (my opinion and observation only)that slim (not skinny) males do a much better job than very large bulky boys.
Lean and mean,slim to win.

shannon