Minimum size?

What would be, in your opinion, the minimum size a female should be to breed?

Thanks for your input!

The answers here will vary a lot I am sure.

Min. 24" , I have seen them clutch very nicely at this size with no probs
Ideal would be more around 36"

I have heard that you should go by the three 3's: 3 years old, 3' long, and 300g.

I would stick by that 300g one, but the other two are open to debate since I've seen some girls that were big enough at 2 years, and others that still were too small at 4.

But, since corns are prone to being egg-bound, I would err on the side of more weight. :)

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Originally Posted by Nightmare Creatures

The answers here will vary a lot I am sure.

Min. 24" , I have seen them clutch very nicely at this size with no probs
Ideal would be more around 36"

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What about weights?
Length does not always determine weight. ;]

Honestly I never weigh my colubrids for breeding....I go off of length and girth.

I agree 3x3x3 :D

That said, they CAN PHYSICALLY breed after only a year if they are big enough.

When I was into corns, 3s rule was what I considered best(for the snake's well-being and health), it's good to meet those weight, age, and length requirements.

Young mothers, even if up to size, are more likely to just have bad clutches.

If you meet weight but not length, you might very well have an obese snake.

Underweight snakes can suffer from various nutrient deficiencies.

meeting the 3s is simple, easy to remember, and you're pretty much guaranteed that a healthy snake is ready to breed then.

Of course people's opinions differ on the subject and there are plenty of successful breedings with different requirements, so do your research, I'm no professional just offering advice from my own experience :D

300 g minimum for me and not fat or "squishy". Big healthy slim yet fit girls usually make the best breeders. And if you're ever unsure, just wait another year. Better safe than sorry.