Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can A male beardy breed indefintely? or is there a certain age after which he konks out? Id like to breed my male below if possible but I think hes an older guy(he was a rescue)

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Bearded Dragons(1.2 orange, 0.2 red, 1.1 citrus mix)
Uromastyx(2.3.9 saharan/nigerian and 1.1 philbyi)
Box Turtles(5.10 yellow and orange easterns)
Gargoyle Geckos(0.1 red retic, 1.0 normal)
Frilled Dragon
Leopard Geckos(normal, red stripe, bell, vegas, jungle)

I would think that sperm count could go down in a male with age, I usually base breeding capability on overall health, not age, in reptiles, because one 10 year old with great care can be healthier then a 3 year old with moderate care.

I also wanted to ask you, if he was a rescue, and therefor you don't know his genetics, why would you breed him? In my opinion, this would be the reptile equivalent of a back yard breeder in the dog world. This is not meant to attack you, but hopefully give you something to think about.
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hanging out under heat lights burns up my brain cells!!

Typically with females the cut off age to breed is 5-6 years of age...even if eggs are still produced by the female. Males, as long as they are healthy and active, you probably can breed them for a few years longer. I wouldn't recommend breeding males after 8 years of age, mostly due to stress of mating may be more harmful than lack of sperm count.

I would go more on the individual dragon than give a cut off age for males...older males just won't have the staying power a younger male would have and they may push themselves too far and you may end up with a dead male or one that just doesn't recover. However, a well taken care of animal with good strong genetics can be much more vigorous and virile even after 8 years of age. But to be honest, unless the guy has really special genetics, I wouldn't risk his health just to try breeding.
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PHLdyPayne

Forum Princess