Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, after reading various articals im having trouble working out at what size/age the male ball is ready to breed and secondly do the two sexes need to be of a similar size? my female is nearly 2kg but my male under 1kg - could the female injure my male during mating?

many thanks

Kenny.

It's on my website under the articles page.
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

I'd be interested to know a few things...

1. Some large adult males can successfully fertilize several clutches. What about the smaller younger males? Are they limited to fewer clutches (females)?

2. Large adult males can successfully copulate with 3000g females. What about the smaller younger males? Are they limited to less intimidating 1200g females?

More questions coming soon...

Chris
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mean people suck

>>I'd be interested to know a few things...
>>
>>1. Some large adult males can successfully fertilize several clutches. What about the smaller younger males? Are they limited to fewer clutches (females)?

Sometimes.

>>
>>2. Large adult males can successfully copulate with 3000g females. What about the smaller younger males? Are they limited to less intimidating 1200g females?

Again sometimes.

>>
>>More questions coming soon...

Keep em coming I may update my article.
>>
>>
>>Chris
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>>mean people suck
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

Okay. More questions...

3. According to your article, even if they can [produce sperm plugs] it doesn't mean they will [successfully copulate]. Does this mean they may not choose to breed, or does it mean the sperm may not be viable? In other words, how often is sperm produced that is not viable? Is this a common occurance with younger males?

4. Should younger males be cooled in order to facilitate sperm production? I have owned both older (5 years) and younger (5 months/235g) males that produced sperm plugs and none were cooled. Is it necessary?

Still more questions to come...

Chris
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mean people suck

>>Okay. More questions...
>>
>>3. According to your article, even if they can [produce sperm plugs] it doesn't mean they will [successfully copulate]. Does this mean they may not choose to breed, or does it mean the sperm may not be viable? In other words, how often is sperm produced that is not viable? Is this a common occurance with younger males?

In my article, I stated that most believe that once sperm plugs are present, it is viable. I believe this to be true. Now, what I meant was, they may choose not to breed.

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>>4. Should younger males be cooled in order to facilitate sperm production? I have owned both older (5 years) and younger (5 months/235g) males that produced sperm plugs and none were cooled. Is it necessary?

For sperm production, I'd say no. To put them in the mood so to speak, I think you will have greater success if you do cool them. Nature has instilled this in them. They know when seasons change, they need to fatten up and start breeding.

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>>Still more questions to come...

Keep 'em coming!
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>>Chris
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>>mean people suck
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

Wonderful answers! One more question...

5. If a six month old male Spider can breed six females in six minutes, how many minutes would it take to for that six month old male to sell on Kingsnake?

Chris
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mean people suck

.
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

I'm far from expert in this field, but in general the males can breed in the first year, some as early as 6 months of age. They don't have to be equal size, and no the female won't hurt a smaller male. The love making process is pretty laid back

Quig

Thank you, thats put my mind at ease.

Kenny

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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

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>>Jay A. Martin
>>Jay Martin Reptiles
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when life hands you lemons, make super lemons, bumblebees, etc...