Breeding age vs breeding weight

[ChelseaV]

Just out of curiosity...

Is it possible for a female to be able to breed at around 1000 grams? I know the general consensus is about 1500 grams, but I've noticed that my big female is exhibiting behaviors that would possibly indicate she is perhaps producing follicles?
Keep in mind I have no intention of breeding her, she's just a pet but I have noticed some changes in her behavior recently that has me curious. Seeking out the cooler end more often, which she has rarely ever done is the most noticeable difference in her behavior. Obviously this could just be her wanting to take a break from her warm end, I just have been curious as to whether or not it was a feasible theory.

[BrianDallek]

Gotta love the "I'm not going to do it, but could I?" posts
My Pied female laid 6 healthy eggs at 1400grams last season. If your female weighed 1200-1300 and was eating like a pig I would say she could be above the "safe" range before laying. At 1000grams I wouldn't risk the safety of the animal or long term breeding potential. Patience is the name of this game. Just keep feeding her and keeping track of her empty weight

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Breeding is a combination of several things, while bigger is better, smaller females can also be paired successfully and yield nice size clutches.

For example while I will only breed a 18 months old if she is at least 1500 grams or more, I will have no issue breeding a 1100 grams female that is over 3 years old, what also come into play is the right feel even if a female is proper weight and proper age it does not always mean that they get bred if they do not feel right.

Bottom line it's about knowing your animal and common sense.

[tacticalveterinarian]

I agree with Deborah! Anatomical maturity, hormonal physiology, nutrition, genetics- there's so many factors involved. I've had large 1,800-2,500g old females that were 5-6yrs old before their first clutch and young 2yr old females that bred at ~1,100g and laid at 1,200-1,300 grams!

[PitOnTheProwl]

There are all the factors Deborah mentioned.
Some just wont grow that large but if everything else is okay then go for it.
Just because we pair them also doesn't meant they will lock or lay either.

[Albert Clark]

I bred my 5 yr old albino girl for the first time earlier this year. She was 1300 gms and laid 5 eggs. I recently bred my 3 yr old pied who was 1600 gms and she laid 5 eggs as well. I think they need the weight and the age to be safe. And it is quite a few factors that come into play to be completely successful. Personally, I would wait for both weight and age. At the least 2.5 yrs old. Good luck and take your time.

[ChelseaV]

Thank you for all the responses!
She is an absolute pig when it comes to her food and her sudden change in behavior had me wondering if even at 1000-1100 grams of it were possible for a female to be sexually mature.
Don't worry though, I don't blame on breeding her at all
She's out beloved household pet, not a breeder. I have a couple fancy girls I'm waiting to get to size and then the fun shall begin.

[AjBalls]

It's certainly possible. I know of someone who has openly told people that he will breed females at 800 grams, even though he will only get about 2-3 eggs I believe. Or as I use to work with someone who would order from importers that would bring in WC gravid females, looking small already. People just get concerned with them being too young or not sexually mature enough and run the risk of becoming egg bound more than larger females.