How long?

A 550 gram female probably won't make it this next season so you have time to get her to a good size for the following season :gj:

The bigger, the better. I'd do some more research and get as familiar with general husbandry/ breeding as possible....Before you know it, she'll be an Ox and ready to make a nice Healty clutch for you...

my normal female reached 1000 grams and went on a hunger strike that lasted 6 months.

She started eating again, got to 1400 grams and now hasn't eaten in about 8 months. (and since every other animal in that rack is eating, im just assuming its her being a bp).

These guys do things on their own schedule, not ours. I'd give her another 2 years to grow and mature. Some people try breeding at 1200 grams but I'm not comfortable with breeding smaller girls. 1400 to 1500 is my ideal starting weight for females.

I'd plan on giving her more time than you think you need, that way if she ends up going early you're in for a surprise rather than a disappointment.

^ Excatly...I'd rather wait, possibly have a clutch of 6-8 (OR MORE) rather then 4- or even slug out.....Patience grasshoppa..lol....Or, just buy an adult female and give it a go....Normal females go from 30-100$ at 1500-2000+ grams.......

Exactly. I've had a female sit at 600g for 18 months... Yes, 18. She's finally giving in to this whole "eating" idea I keep mentioning to her. :rolleyes:

Edit: Correction: 18 months, not 17... Even worse. But at least now I think she gets the idea.

Thank you guys for all of the helpful replies! the people on this site are great!:salute: