Getting females in shape, plump, ready to breed....

Any thoughts or preparation techniques or styles you'd be willing to share with this first time breeder?

Right now I have 2 females that are over 1500 grams and eating so-so.... I think they know the time is coming... And I have another 2 that are right at 1200 that I'd like to get up more in weight later in the season... Maybe Dec or Jan...

Besides of course the obvious making sure I feed them good any other techniques or things I should take into consideration to make sure my females get up to size?

One of my females (het pied who's got the age not the weight - 1000 grams), I just got in on a trade and she is pounding rats with gusto. I have a feeling the owner didnt feed her sufficently for her size... If she could get to breeding weight it would make my first breeding season a dream come true...

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Originally Posted by JasonG

Any thoughts or preparation techniques or styles you'd be willing to share with this first time breeder?

Right now I have 2 females that are over 1500 grams and eating so-so.... I think they know the time is coming... And I have another 2 that are right at 1200 that I'd like to get up more in weight later in the season... Maybe Dec or Jan...

Besides of course the obvious making sure I feed them good any other techniques or things I should take into consideration to make sure my females get up to size?

One of my females (het pied who's got the age not the weight - 1000 grams), I just got in on a trade and she is pounding rats with gusto. I have a feeling the owner didnt feed her sufficently for her size... If she could get to breeding weight it would make my first breeding season a dream come true...

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Im right there with you man, i have 2 femmales pushing 2000grams but i have that one at 1100 and im trying to get her up to weight. Wish i could help because mine are doing the same thing so so eating. Thought i would just put in my 2 cents of having problems as well haha. best of luck

Just keep trying to feed them. If they don't eat then don't worry about it. Patience is a virtue. They will get there eventually. If they don't get there this season, then they will definitely be big enough next season. Good luck.

I find some females kick into high gear when you start pairing them with males.

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Originally Posted by Somed00d

I find some females kick into high gear when you start pairing them with males.

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That seems just a bit irresponsible to me though. Basically you're saying, I'm not sure if it will be safe for them to breed because they're not eating but if I breed them maybe that will get them to eat so that they can get to the right size to breed. Sorry not the right way to go about doing that. If they're not ready they're not ready and forcing a female that is too small to breed can be dangerous. If you've already put the time and effort into getting her up to that size why not wait a few more months or, god forbid, another year to make sure that she is safe?
Just my .02

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Originally Posted by JasonG

One of my females (het pied who's got the age not the weight - 1000 grams), I just got in on a trade and she is pounding rats with gusto. I have a feeling the owner didnt feed her sufficently for her size... If she could get to breeding weight it would make my first breeding season a dream come true...

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My concern here, Jason, would be if this female snakes previous owner couldn't even do something as basic as feed her correctly, then you're going to be wanting to make sure you have a long and careful quarantine on her (at least I would be). I'd be more worried about that and just bringing her along nicely than pushing for a breeding this year - or at least maybe an attempt in early 2009 after she's completed a full quarantine period.

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Originally Posted by anendeloflorien

That seems just a bit irresponsible to me though. Basically you're saying, I'm not sure if it will be safe for them to breed because they're not eating but if I breed them maybe that will get them to eat so that they can get to the right size to breed. Sorry not the right way to go about doing that. If they're not ready they're not ready and forcing a female that is too small to breed can be dangerous. If you've already put the time and effort into getting her up to that size why not wait a few more months or, god forbid, another year to make sure that she is safe?
Just my .02

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Actually, there's nothing unsafe about putting a male in with a small female. If she's too small to breed, she just won't.

-adam

Just feed as usual -- if she gets to where you are comfortable breeding her then breed her -- if not then hold off til next year.

In my limited experience I've noticed that after the first few introductions to the male the females will tend to feed heavier -- they know what nature is intending and they will start packing away the fat stores to make it happen.

But yeah -- be mindful of the QT - that is one thing you don't want to rush.

Good Luck!

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

My concern here, Jason, would be if this female snakes previous owner couldn't even do something as basic as feed her correctly, then you're going to be wanting to make sure you have a long and careful quarantine on her (at least I would be). I'd be more worried about that and just bringing her along nicely than pushing for a breeding this year - or at least maybe an attempt in early 2009 after she's completed a full quarantine period.

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Oh yes, I set up the qt room for her in advance. Believe me I knew I had to qt her beforehand and before any breeding took place.

A guy can dream though... :)

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Actually, there's nothing unsafe about putting a male in with a small female. If she's too small to breed, she just won't.

-adam

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Let me ask you this...

Would dropping night time temps induce the "kick into high gear" feeding nescarry to get those last 100 or so grams on them before season?

Maybe thats safer for some ppl and their snakes rather then introducing a male...