Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,
First of all I would like to thank you guys for all the hatchling pictures you have posted, maybe some day I will be posting my own.
I have a question for you all, what size/age are your breeders?
I have a pair that is at least a year out but information on thayeri is not as plentiful as some other species.

Thanks
David

Hi David,

I certainly hope to see you posting hatchling pics here soon, it is certainly worth the effort.

The pair I bred this year were both hatched in 2002, making them just 3 years old about now. The female is a particularly hearty feeder and reached good mature size early I feel. The male didn't arrive here until very early this year, just in time for breeding actually, but he has obviously been a good feeder as well although he is considerably smaller than the female. At 2 years going into their third year they can be successful as long as the female is physically big enough. This clutch totaled 14 eggs, with 8 eventually hatching.

Evidence shows that age isn't as critical as physical size and overall health. Personally my opinion is that breeding them young may be somewhat less productive that first season, and in that regard it may be better to wait until they are 3 going on 4. However, I also understand that many very experienced breeders don't feel that breeding at a younger age adversely affects the female in any way... meaning no harm done with regard to her health, longevity and productivity within her lifetime.

It's really a matter of personal preference. If your female reaches 2 going on 3, she is healthy, what you feel is a good young adult size and you are chomping at the bit to make babies like I was this year... I say go for it and have a great experience!

Mike

:-D
-----
Jonel @ Selective Propagations
www.spsnakes.com

Its been posted here before that 30 inches and 300 grams for females and 225 grams for males is a good goal to shoot for. I would agree with that too, but its only a goal. My personal goal for my females is at least 250 grams. I have 5 females that WILL be at at least that weight by fall or early 2006. I have one other that will be close but probably not quite there by early next year. I don't beleive that breeding them under that weight will hurt them but they will be small clutches.

Vichris