I agree with your point. I know most of our breeders are at least 80 years old and even older for the males. We have had several very large captive born and raised males that are just big in size but young. Compared to one that has grown at a natural pace within his natural diet, providing that slow consistant growth. I am convinced that the natural growth rate with the proper natural diet resulting in a mature larger male is why we are having such high consistant fertility within our colony. I am convinced this relates to females also. The sizes of our imported breeding females seem not to be as important of a facter as does age and diet. Just to add, I am convinced that diet has alot of influence with our success. Our colony grazes constantly on natural grasses, weeds, and some cactus all year round. We only provide a very small amount of Mazuri tortoise chow during egg laying season only. I only know of a one captive raised females that have had fertility and produced hatchlings in the 25 years of working with this species. We have had several on breeding loans at our program and our males have little if any interest. Now the captive raised males, they try relentlessly and never are successful. This is basically because they are just big 400 to 500 pounders with no age physical maturity, they usually fall within their efforts. I agree with you sir, very perceptive points.

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