Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am breeding a couple females this year with my son. I am looking to pick up a few more females soon with the intent to bring them up to size/1500 grams over the course of the year. How big should I expect a current 600, 900 or 1100 gram female to get in a year on a steady weekly diet of small rats?

The price is right vs what a breeder size animal would run me next year. Will they be up to weight by this time next year?

The 900g, probably, and the 1100g, certainly, will make breeding weight by next season, assuming no extended fasts. The 600g is unlikely to make weight even with power-feeding, which most folks frown upon.

Age is a consideration too. The common wisdom is 3 years; we had one female go after two years, and never missed a year since. Lot easier to find breeding-sized snakes now then it used to be though, and prices are in steady decline, so you can always wait the market out.

Good father-son hobby. Been at it with mine since 2006. He still handles advertising and sales even though he is now in school on the other coast. Gives me an excuse to talk to him way more often then I would otherwise have. For which I am very grateful.

Good luck!