Slugs -- Why we get them ?

[ScubaDiver007]

Ok, I thought I would post this up and see if we can get any "experts" that are out there to maybe chime in.

As I have only been in this hobby for a few short couple of years, I thought I would try my hand at breeding. Im not doing it for $$ but for me its been something to keep my young men ( teenagers ) communicating with Dad. Those that have boys or kids in general know what I mean by this.

Ok I picked up a couple of big het ghost from a very good breeder. I paired them up a spider het ghost, and after the hurry up and wait factor of the process. One of the girls layed 9 slugs. Talk about heart break!

The other one is getting ready to go into her pre shed lay, so another 3-4 weeks of waiting to see whats up with her eggs.

Any Ideas as to why an animal would do this?
Before the questions start about the environment. I did make the investment into a boafile rack system. I check temps and they are correct.


Thoughts? are their other people out there like myself?? the thoughts of I have done everything right.. and this?? I saw a thread a couple of days ago and he had 8 slugs..

I know that we all like to show off our successes.. and OH I will to, when i produce that Honey bee..

so back to the thought - SLUGS ... Why??

[Paysons Bps]

It's not your fault some males may not have the strongest of sperm and females may not have the strongest of eggs witch causes infertility. Keep trying =D .P.S. I'm a teen myself =D Good luck!

-Payson!

[tonkatoyman]

What can I say "Slugs Happen".

[Laooda]

Don't beat yourself up... they do happen. If it makes you feel any better, one of my fav. girls slugged out last year. The whole clutch-

She just laid several days ago, and there were 4 slugs in the clutch- and 2 questionables that I'm watching close- BUT there are also 4 perfect eggs too.

So don't give up!

[Freakie_frog]

To many factors to concider.
She ovulated to early
She ovulated to late
She was to warm
She was to cool
The male didn't do his job
She didn't do her's
Birth defect that cause's reproduction problems in either her or the male
Any combonation of the above, you might breed her next year to the same male and get 12 good eggs..
The factors are to vast to really say 'THIS IS THE CAUSE'

[twh]

what is the age and weight of the girl that slugged out? slugs can happen any time but it seems younger females are more prone to this.it's good to try and fine tune to avoid slugs in the future but don't beat yourself up,it happens to everyone sooner or later.have fun!

[J.Vandegrift]

It's not your fault some males may not have the strongest of sperm and females may not have the strongest of eggs witch causes infertility. Keep trying =D .P.S. I'm a teen myself =D Good luck!

-Payson!

I think slugs are the females fault, not the males. If it was the males problem you would get unfertilized eggs that looked like normal eggs. At least that is what I have always thought.

I really think overfeeding is the primary reason for slugs. Ever since I started feeding my adults only every other week I have not had any problems with slugs. I think more of my females don't lay every year now because of the every other week feedings but I am pretty certain it has had a positive effect on my percentage of good eggs.

[muddoc]

what is the age and weight of the girl that slugged out? slugs can happen any time but it seems younger females are more prone to this.it's good to try and fine tune to avoid slugs in the future but don't beat yourself up,it happens to everyone sooner or later.have fun!

Also, overweight females could potentially cause slugs, via the stated reason. Obese females have alot of fat stores in the aft part of the female could be putting stress on the oviducts, therefore not giving the follicles enough room to develop, and may be another cause for slugs. I have personally seen one of my obese girls lay a large amount of slugs, and hence cut her diet back, and got no slugs the following year.

I have other animals that have given slugs for other reasons, especially many that Ed mentioned earlier in the thread, but wanted to pass on another experience I have had.

[Quiet Tempest]

I've read that males being kept too warm can lead to fertility issues (same with other species as well). Just another thought for the pile.