Female growth

[Andreass]

I was wondering how hard a female is growing over the years when she is bred every year. Wouldn't it be better to let the female grow much larger for the first 4 to 5 years before starting to breed?

[ball-nut]

Answered ya own question there.
Its personal preference vs. science vs. common sense.

Sent from my phone, to the Internet, to your screen.

[Annarose15]

It sounds like you're implying that breeding slows growth. I have a 2006 female that was 1200g (virgin) last season. Since she dropped eggs, she has skyrocketed to 1700g and looks ready to go again this year. On the other hand, I have a 2010 female that's breeding for the first time this year and hit 1700g already. I guess my point is that each animal is different, and we have to pay attention to their needs, not just our plans for them.

[Andreass]

It sounds like you're implying that breeding slows growth.

Exactually what i wanted to ask. Just in general, wouldn't this make sence? Females loose a lot of weight on the eggs and go of feed for a period.

[ball-nut]

Just re read and i sounded a bit abrupt sorry.
My balance is that the female has to be 3rd winter, 1800g minimum (some say 1500 but they tend to offer slugs or very small clutches, they also take longer to regain weight imo) if not up to weight or even if up to weight early i still won't pair up, my common sense tells me that this balance works well and in long term is better for the female.

Sent from my phone, to the Internet, to your screen.

[Annarose15]

Exactually what i wanted to ask. Just in general, wouldn't this make sence? Females loose a lot of weight on the eggs and go of feed for a period.

In general, I get your logic. However, I've also seen how females absolutely pound food after they drop eggs. Both my breeder females that laid last year lost ~25% of their body weight when they dropped eggs, but had gained it all back and then some within 6 weeks. The important thing is not pushing her to breed if she does not have good body condition, whether for the first time or after being proven.

[Andreass]

Ok, thanks for the answers