Slugs!

[MS2]

I finally got my first clutch of the season a week ago. Laid by a 2001 proven female. She has always laid 6-7 eggs clutches in the past, and last season she laid 10. She put weight back on quick and was ready for this season. Well she laid a clutch of 6 with 4 slugs. She nor any other of my females have ever laid slugs before. I know it happens, but I'm looking for opinions. She is an older female (2001) could she be getting too old to breed?

[dr del]

Not in the slightest to do with her age.

I have one way older who still lays fine.

Slugs are sadly a part of the whole breeding thing, the best you can do is make sure the female is in good condition in size and body tone.

[aalomon]

I feel you. I have had more slugs than good eggs this season. My last clutch was 5 eggs with only 1 good egg. The good egg just pipped and its a normal Im attributing my bad luck to failed heat tape early in the season and then later a semi major move (hoping the bp gods are getting all my bad luck out all at once).

[fatSNAKEs]

me too ... both of my most anticipated clutches slugged out this year. Its a major bummer but nothing you can do. Just feed her well and try again next year!

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

Keep the males on the cooler side of things during breeding season as well..... 85- 87F. Helps with potent sperm

[aalomon]

Just curious how that would help with slugs? As I understand it, infertile eggs are a male problem but slugs are caused by the female.

[MS2]

Thanks for the replies. I didn't think that at 13 years old she was "past her prime". Better luck with her next season.

[sho220]

Anyone know what causes slugs? I've heard that overweight females tend to slug out. I think I also remember hearing that keeping them too hot will cause them to slug out...I may be remembering that wrong though...

Anyone else?