At what age do a Female Retic's reproductive abilities begin reducing?

[350z]

So correct me if I'm wrong but you've asked a few questions in here about prey items for the large constrictors, sex ratios for breeding large constrictors, and reproductive age groups for large constrictors, all in the hopes of investing in a few adult animals to breed in a spare room...

A few things

If you've never worked with the big guys before, I think the worst possible idea is to purchase fully grown adult animals in the hopes of also breeding them. Take a look at jmcrook for an owner who went above and beyond, was committed to his animals 100% and couldn't outspend or commit enough to have a good keeper-animal relationship and enjoy the hobby. Retics and burms are large animals, demand respect, and aren't just a fun thing to splurge on and learn as you go. You can end up with animals that are hormonal machine guns with males, pushing, cage defensive, etc etc etc.

Also, I don't know if you're familiar with the current landscape of the reptile hobby, but I don't know that we need anyone else breeding more purple tigers. Burms and retics are over produced IMO, considering the caging, food, time and energy requirements these big guys require. I don't really think there is an ass for ever seat capable of taking care of these mainland retics pumped out every year.

There is a bunch of people in here recently who seem to go on purchasing sprees like it's so cool and they have all these breeding plans and they haven't even dealt with one of these snakes as an adult before signing up to take care of 5 of them. These aren't ball pythons you can throw in a rack. They grow before your eyes, and these people are signing up for massive cage bills in no time at all.

With all that being said, if you love retics, go for it. But I'd say talk to breeders and those who work with them vs just asking questions online. And then purchase a hatchling retic. Learn as you go, and you'll end up comfortable and knowing your animal, realize the requirements and respect the big boys demand.

I think it's a downright awful idea to just purchase adult animals, and even worse yet to just purchase them for breeding as a project.