To breed or not to breed?

Next winter, my butter girl's second winter, she will be about 1 1/2 year old and I think, given her current size and growth rate, she'll be up to size for breeding but, my question is: If she gets up to size, and in good health obliviously, should I breed her next winter or wait another year? Would there be increased health risks at this age? Approx. clutch size? Thanks!

It totally depends on her as far as clutch size (could be three, could be five, could be eight, could slug out) but if she's up to size, has good body porportions, and you're prepared to incubate eggs and house/feed hatchlings then there's no reason not to. It's a personal decision at that point more than a health one.

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Originally Posted by Badgemash

It totally depends on her as far as clutch size (could be three, could be five, could be eight, could slug out) but if she's up to size, has good body porportions, and you're prepared to incubate eggs and house/feed hatchlings then there's no reason not to. It's a personal decision at that point more than a health one.

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Okay. I was worried because I heard that if they're too young the females are more likely to become egg bound.

That would be an issue that comes up because of size, which is why people usually use 1,500g as a benchmark for breeding size, but body porportions are also important. A long skinny girl might be 1,500g, but she's still too small and as you point out, more likely to get egg bound. A short, plump girl on the other hand might actually be ready well before 1,500g.

Just keep watching her, and tracking her growth, and of course feel free to add pics of her when the time comes closer. If she's looking good you'll have the reassurance from people here, and if she's not quite ready yet you know there will be people on here who will quite happily tell you about it ;).