Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have just started getting into breeding dragons and the breeding age and weight are both very important i know from my experience with breeding leopard geckos. People say age isn't a good judgment so what is. You guys talked about waiting to see the signs but you didn't state what they were. I know with males they will head bob and such but what are the signs for females and other signs for males. I just don't want to breed my dragons too young when they aren't ready. I think it is in mine and their best interest. Thanks for any advice.
Jason

So it is harder to tell with female. One tell tale sign that they aren't ready is if they always run like heck when a male is around. I also think the arm waves are a sign of the female being non receptive. Don't think I have seen a female are wave then be breed, could be crazy though. The wierd head bobs is a sign i think. Males it isn't just head bob but turning really black in the beard region. Oh and big females that start to really head bob and fight usually don't breed. Just my observations.
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Derek Affonce
DeKeAff Exotics
dekeaffexotics.com

Pertaining to that post. I've been told by many top notch breaders, and also people who study in the field of reptile care, and desease investigation. I was told to wait 18 months before breeding a dragon to lessen the risks that pertain to breeding dragons too young, or before full grown. Therefore I will listen to the well respected breeders I know and won't breed mine untill 18months. This is just my opinion. At 5 months mine could have bred, and were what many consider full grown size, or bigger then most other breaders at 18 months of age, but I beleive, and was told that that would drastically increase dangers to both my breeders and their Offspring. They infact have grown a hell of a lot more since 5 months. In my opinion the good of waiting drastically out weighs the damage it could cause to breed young. Whats the point to breed early anyway? Are you making a living off the profits you get from selling hatchlings? Not going to be rich thats for sure, If not and it is a hobby done for the love of your pets, and you would like the experiance of hatching babies then wait the 18 months it drastically ups the odds for a safer, and moew enjoyable time. Just my 5 cents. Good Luck with what ever choice you make.
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NP

listen i agree that breeding an animal too young is a bad idea that wasn't my question. With all due respect did you even read my post matt man all i was asking for was signs of readiness to breed, i don't even have dragons that are nearly close enough to breed yet i just wanted to know signs, You would have to be an idiot obviously to put a dragon in at 5 months even if it was big im not stupid just had a question. 18 months isn't some magical number some animals could be breeed before that and some shouldn't it all depends on the situation. I know from my experience with geckos. I don't breed them unless they are one done growing and 2 at least a year. I have had females not stop growing until 16 months of age does that still mean i should breed her at a year of course not. So if anyone else wouldn't mind replying with the signs that would be nice.

Thanks.

Jason

I don't get it,, he was telling you, better to wait if in doubt.
I waited until mine was 2yrs. Did I have to, probably not but I can promise you, it didn't hurt her to wait.

Look, it's not like they grow hair in places when they are ready or something. There is no for sure right answer to your question so no one is going to be able to give you the for sure sign you are looking for. I'm sorry but that is how it is.

He was saying, most people wait 18months to be safe. If you think yours is ready before then, well, that's your call.

Good luck.

Thanks Joel R did not know how to spell it out or put it in such figerative language as you lol. I started below by asking the same questions, when I got no true response I gave my opinion. Thanks for not letting me explain something that wasn't fully answered to me by the person who started the post in the first place. I Just Voiced My Opinion thats all.
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Photos

Your post was great and well put. You have obviously done your homework. I don't know what more he was looking for? Keep up the good work Matt. I'm no different than you or anyone else on the forum for that matter.(well we are all different, I'm saying I'm no better) I asked a ton of questions, off & on for 2 years. Did as much reading as my eyes & brain could take. I in no way know everything about dragons, or anything else. All we can do is pass on the info that others have given us and still ask more questions. I'm still learning along with everyone else here.

Later.
Joel R