Starting Axanthics!

Hi guys, would like your opinions on this.

Was offered a 2010 Male VPI axanthic baby from a reputable breeder. When i asked if it was an early 2010 he said it was a june baby, and said that if fed right it could be ready by the end of the year. He said he produces stuff as late as july and has them bred for him in November.

Ive read that it's possible to do this. Where i do not doubt his knowledge and experience, i am just curious if there are any ill effects on the young snake being bred to 3-4 females so early on.

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

ian

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ifun.jc

yes please! I hope it is not too much trouble to see some pics of your beautiful animals. I know photographs dont do justice to axanthics mostly but pics are always nice =)

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As requested, here is a pic of some older Axanthics. The animal in the top right corner is my original male VPI Axanthic. I bought him from BHB in 2004. He is now 6 years old. The animal on the right is one of his daughters that I produced in 2006, making her 4 years old. She is actually gravid right now, and will be laying her third clutch of eggs this year. She is around 2700 grams. The animal in the lower left is obviously an Albino. I produced her in 2008 and included her for a color comparison.

http://www.baileyreptiles.com/pics/axanthicage.jpg

Enjoy the pic,

Very nice! I guess they still brown out eventually but they look really great right there.

Btw might i hear your views on the above post which i just made?

thanks

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ifun.jc

Hi guys, would like your opinions on this.

Was offered a 2010 Male VPI axanthic baby from a reputable breeder. When i asked if it was an early 2010 he said it was a june baby, and said that if fed right it could be ready by the end of the year. He said he produces stuff as late as july and has them bred for him in November.

Ive read that it's possible to do this. Where i do not doubt his knowledge and experience, i am just curious if there are any ill effects on the young snake being bred to 3-4 females so early on.

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

ian

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I have bred males like that in the past. I cannot vouche for the long term effects, and I don't think anyone really can, as the practice of breeding very young males is still relatively new (in the past 5 years or so). I had a very small, young male (read as 350 grams and 7 months old) breed and successfully impregnate 7 females this year. With that said, much more attention needs to be paid to young breeders, as I think the toll on them can be more sever than an older male with a much greater body weight and store of fat. Ultimately though, the male may not breed at that young of an age. It is up to him. All you can do is put him in with a female and see if he is mature. He will breed if he wants to. I would think that 2-3 females is safe for him, but 4 may be a stretch for a breeder without a fair amount of experience under their belt.

I hope that helps,