Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is there anyway to tell when a blue tongue skin has reached sexual maturity (without probing)?

n/p
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Edward
Carpe diem

First, Probing does not determine Sexual Maturity ---the tools are used to determine Sex (M/F) by Depth of Probing. Experienced Hertpetoculturalist and Herpetologist can Pop the Hemipenes for sexing. Young BTS 4 to 8 weeks are easily Poped by the Experienced; older BTS have stronger muscles along the tail making it almost impossible to Pop. Generally Head Size comparison and width of tail base/are used to guess sex as with Bearded Dragons. The appearance of Seminal Plugs in the cage substrate is a positive sign of Male.

Now determinig breeding age is not based on two years old. Base breeding ability on: body size & weight, health

Base Breeding Ability on: body size & weight, Health>sufficient Calcuim levels in females as when fetuses produce this process depletes the Calcuim Levels in the Mothers Skeletal Systom, Females must also be developing egg folicles in the Ova (like breeding Snakes), Males must have a live healthy count of Sperm, Pyschological evaluation for breeding can be accomplished by places cages so that females & males can see one another; the behavior will let you know whn they are ready to engage in Courtship. You must also be sure that both sexes are Fertile. Males kept at too high temperatures kills their sperm and reduces the count of live active sperm. Pairs introduced into the males cage must be compatable; when males are introduced to the females cage fighting/mutilation/injury occur as these are Territorial, especially the females.

Most Zoos breed males over 18 months and females just over three years old, this helps insure viable reproduction. Many BTS breed their pairs young (12 to 16 months old ) if the aboved mentioned is met. If one male does not successfully breed then have alternate male available that she may accept. The Psychological readiness is determined by male & female cages so that they may observe each other, this is done just before the onset of Breeding Season. The behavior of the BTSs will tell you if they are ready.

As you can there is quite a bit involved. When you do breed them NEVER and I mean NEVER LEAVE BREEDING PAIRS ALONE, Injury/mutilation/Death can and dose happen. Any experienced BTS Breeder will tell you to Observe the entire mating and then remove the female, treat her bites. Multiple Cupulations occur over serval day or weeks.

Thank you for the information. Here is a picture of my female BTS.

Cool!

What are the red markings? They look like raspberry stains.

What a cutie! Looks like it could be lighting.
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The red markings are the reflection of her heat lamp.

thank you. how big would you say that the female needs to be to breed? the female i have is a total of 18 inches long. Her head is 2 inches, her body is 7 inches, and her tail 9 inches. i think she is about 1 and a half years old or a little older. i know that breeding season for skinks is the spring time. Do you think she is ready?