Does it take Piebalds longer to reach breeding size?

[Piedpiper]

Just wanted to introduce myself, I'm new to posting here but have been reading for a while and just had one question. I was told that it takes longer (4-5 years) for Piebalds to be ready to breed. Is this true, or am I being misled by someone who is misinformed. I know this may be a stupid question to those who know the answer but I was just curious. Thanks

[loonunit]

I've heard that too? But I've got one 2008 pied female at 1440 grams who's currently breeding, and another female (supposedly a 2008, but she was very small when I got her last year) who is up to 1000+ grams. Even if she IS a 2008, she'll definitely be ready to go next season... so that'll be one breeding at just over 2 years, and a second at maybe 3 years. Not fast, but not abnormally slow. Anyway, I don't think I have anything to complain about.

My MALE pied, on the other hand, is a 2009 who refuses to eat anything larger than his head... and lately he doesn't even want that. He's holding steady at 440 grams. If he were a female, I'd be going crazy right now.

...I have had twitter conversations with Brian @ BHB about "pied personalities", and he's apparently got a rack full of slow growers and reluctant breeders.

[saskia]

My 2009 pieds (male and female) are slow growers too.
I wouldn't be surprised if it will take them 4 jears to be breedeble.

I havent weigt them but I think they don't weight 500 grams yet...........................

[monk90222]

I've heard ....that pied females as a whole are picky eaters (of course there will be some that are pigs)...I know for a fact that a very big breeder holds back every 100% het female pied that they produce because they eat better and get to size quicker than the visual pieds...

[Dracowoman2]

I've got a 2009 male pied that is probably only around 500g, when I first got him he had only ever eaten live, which is not a problem for me. As he was small I kept him in a small tub as I would have for my own babies. he went around 4 months without eating anything that I offered him. It was then suggested to me that I move him into a Vision V-70 tub!! I did this and he looked lost in there, however one night I left a small defrosted and warmed weaner rat in there with him and low and behold the next morning he had eaten it!! This went on for a good few months, and now he is nailing live again. My long winded point is that is could just simply be a case of changing their living situation that gives them that push to start nailing food.

I've also heard the same thing about albinos as well by the way.

Sorry for the essay

[Emilio]

I guess I got lucky 2009 female pied 1577g

[NNJExotics]

I've heard ....that pied females as a whole are picky eaters (of course there will be some that are pigs)...I know for a fact that a very big breeder holds back every 100% het female pied that they produce because they eat better and get to size quicker than the visual pieds...

I heard this also when considering to purchase a pied female with intentions of future breeding. I was advised by several breeders to go the Het Pied female route.

[NNJExotics]

I've got a 2009 male pied that is probably only around 500g, when I first got him he had only ever eaten live, which is not a problem for me. As he was small I kept him in a small tub as I would have for my own babies. he went around 4 months without eating anything that I offered him. It was then suggested to me that I move him into a Vision V-70 tub!! I did this and he looked lost in there, however one night I left a small defrosted and warmed weaner rat in there with him and low and behold the next morning he had eaten it!! This went on for a good few months, and now he is nailing live again. My long winded point is that is could just simply be a case of changing their living situation that gives them that push to start nailing food.

I've also heard the same thing about albinos as well by the way.

Sorry for the essay

Wow that's cool! I did the opposite for my guy to eat... my pied male was in a 32qt when i first got him and he wouldn't eat until after i spoke to a few breeders and was suggested to put him in a 15qt or smaller and add bedding and a smaller hideout. Of course a week later, he first striked at me(which he never did) and then i offered him live and he ate(3 months after 1st getting him).

[yardy]

My male pied is an 08 and has just managed to hit 500g (well 495!) but, for the first time, he has started a winter fast so I'm cooling him to go in with my poss het pied female who is now a bit over 1300g and still eating like a pig. She's a gorgeous strapping girl with a very similar overall look to a 100% het pied male I have-here's hoping.

[BoaFreak]

My pied is a late 09 and he is a great feeder, He is around 480 grams. I am in no hurry with him as far as breeding goes, so I am really not pushing him. He is kept as more of a pet for now than anything, but I have had no problems with him and he seems to be growing nicely