How old were your snakes when then reached breeding size?

[salvadorian]

Hey everyone! Long time no nothing!!
My computer no longer has internet, sooo I can't post pictures of my snakes (who are growing sooooo fast and coloring up nicely ) so I've kind of not visited the forums much.
But I was wondering: How old were everyone's snakes when they reached maturity / breeding size? I can't wait to get in to breeding and I wanna know how long I have to wait!!

 

[Sinsational]

I think the general rule is to have the females be 3 years old, 300 grams and 3 feet long. As far as I know you need all 3, not just 2 of the three. BUT I am not a breeder and would love for someone with more experience to confirm this. I know rules get broken as well, so I'm sure this one does on occasion.

 

[Shiari]

Torandre is 3 years old, and reached 300 grams shortly before breeding season.

 

[raynefyre]

As far as I know, you can break one of the rules if your snake seems ready. For example, some people breed males with they reach 18 inches or only 1.5 years, etc. However, if you really want to take into consideration the health and life of your pet, especially a female, I would definitely wait the extra time. I personally would rather be patient for another year than risk losing a beloved family member. Patience is a virtue.

 

[Sinsational]

I know males can be bred much earlier. I thought they were the same as females, but learned differently. I agree with you though bree about waiting rather than risk losing your snake.

 

[raynefyre]

Indeed. I know females can grow in size quickly but their bodies and organs (including the reproductive ones) aren't usually fully developed and ready until 3 years of age. Males at 2 years. My girl Aly is reaching reaching 150 grams and 3 feet and she isn't even a year yet, her momma was a beast. Definitely not power feeding either. I still won't breed her until she's the right age though.

 

[bitsy]

The age at which they reach 300g can vary wildly - I think that's why you need to have all three attributes set up when you first breed.

I had one female that finally hit 300g aged 5 years. She was on the same feeding regime as my others and otherwise healthy. She's just from bloodlines that produce smaller Corns.

 

[airenlow]

Here are some of my females...

'05 Normal- 475g.
'06 Amel- 250g...she's a small girl and must be bumped up to breeding size each year.
'08 Butter Motley- 340g.
'08 LavBlood- 275g.

 

[carnivorouszoo]

Not to hijack the thread, but I know a guy who breeds and has smaller animals. For example he has an 04 female that is just barely 3 feet and weighs 275 g average (she flucuates between 260 and 285g) but she is a very muscular animal even after laying. He fed her pretty close to what the munson plan says too. So isn't it true that for some it is a discretionary thing and up to the breeder's best judgement? I mean for older snakes, not 2 year olds or 3 year olds.

 

[bitsy]

I would say yes, any set of guidelines is discretionary. But I'd add the caveat that this should be for the experienced breeder. For a first attempt, I'd always advise sticking to the 3 feet/ 3 years/ 300g guidelines as this is the safest and least risky way to go.

Someone with a bit more breeding experience under their belt will have a better feel for which females they can push earlier and which maybe ought to be left for an extra year.