What age do females stop producing?

[csagen]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry this is my first post on here. I guess I'll go ahead and introduce myself. My name is Calder, I currently live in Denver, Colorado. (Beautiful place) I love ball pythons and the genetics and just being able to create something so beautiful with insane colors. Honestly my favorite gene is the pastel. I have to say I'm addicted to the yellow and the brightness when paired with other things. I guess I'm a color guy.

Anyways, on to the question at hand. I was browsing around on Kingsnake.com and found some older female normals. One was from 2003 and it made me wonder at what age do females stop producing? Do they ever stop producing or just get worn out per say? This snake just laid a 14 egg clutch this year in march and I know that if you give her a year off she could go again, potentially even go again right now for 2012-2013. I'm just thinking she will be 10 years old here in about 6 months, and is it worth it to get a snake that is that old?

I'm open to all thoughts and opinions.

PS. I searched and searched for answers on here but couldn't find anything, so I made a post. Sorry if this has been discussed before.

Thank you in advance,

Calder

[Aes_Sidhe]

I don't think they stop ever... The oldest Ball living in captivity was female from Sydney Zoo... 41 y if i good remember and she lay clutch of good eggs year before She pass...

[satomi325]

Ball pythons can live 20+ years. They can breed until they die. However, they may give themselves breaks in between clutches.
10 yr isn't old. I've seen people pair virgin 15 year olds just fine.


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[csagen]

Thank you for the info! I knew the average life span was about 20, and taking time in between breeding also. Just wasn't sure how long they really could produce. That helps a ton!

Thanks again,

Calder

[snakesRkewl]

Our 10 year old albino female gave us 9 eggs last year and 9 eggs the year before that.
As long as they are well taken care of and eat sufficiently 10 years old is not too old to be breeding.

[EAC Reptiles]

I recently had a clutch of seven from a 14 year old female. All eggs hatched out nice healthy babies.

[1nstinct]

I have a PH Albino female that is going to be over 10 before she every gets breed.

[SlitherinSisters]

I don't believe they ever stop being fertile (males or females).