How to tell when a male has hit maturity

[frankykeno]

Malachi, our 100% het for albino male who will be a year old this June is sure growing up fast LOL. He's always been a stunningly aggressive eater, never missed a meal and gains beautifully. Last night he weighed empty at 770 grams. Mike and I knew he'd been growing steadily and has seemed lately to really look visually much bigger but even we were surprised at this big jump in size over the past couple of months LOL.

Now I'm starting to wonder how one tells when a young male like this is really mature or not. I know it sounds a bit stupid to not know lol but I've always heard about the 800 gram thing for males and about sperm plug production. Mal is fast approaching the 800 gram size but what else should I be looking for with him? Will I just find a sperm plug one day or is this not common with the younger males that have never bred? Do you find the sperm plugs in their enclosure or by popping them or some other method? Sorry to be so dang clueless about the impending sexual maturity but Malachi's our first male so I need a bit of Sex Ed 101 here folks LOL.

Wish I could post a pic of the big fella but somewhere in the move I've managed to pack the digital camera and can't find it yet!

[Adam_Wysocki]

Last night he weighed empty at 770 grams.

Bingo!

Males are "generally" sexually mature at around 500 grams and in their second winter. He'll be fine for this coming breeding season.

-adam

[cueball]

Sounds like he's really growing like a weed!

Looking forward to pics when you find your camera

[cassandra]

When he has to start shaving and his voice start cracking? =)

Can't wait to see pictures!

[frankykeno]

Nah, Cass but he's got attitude that just screams "I'm a manly man snake...NOW WHERE'S THEM FEMALES!!!!" lol Well actually it's more...."bring on the females and hey...WHERE'S MY DANG RAT!" lol

He'll be a happy boy this fall Adam if all goes as planned LOL.

Thanks Chris, I'm having major digi cam withdrawal (also a total panick about it being tossed in the storage unit with the Xmas junk since it's not where it should have been packed...ACK!)