Curious question

[Seneschal]

I jsut thought that the general consensus was, minimal female weight for breeding : 1500 grams. With respect to the snake's body type of course; a long skinny 1500-grammer is not as massive of course as a shorter fattie..
So who-all thinks I should run my 1200g female with a male? I am interested to know.

Does she look chunky? If you feel comfortable with it, and think she looks massive enough to be able to deal with it, then go with it...but personally I'd be hesitant to breed an 06 female at any weight until next season. Of course I've never bred before, but it's just my .02.

[ladywhipple02]

This is my personal preference (and keep in mind that I have never bred, but am starting a nice collection of boas to breed in the future):

I will raise my females very slowly, not forcing any growth on them. And I will NOT breed until the girls are at least three years old. I feel that this gives the girls enough time to get to a good weight, build up some nice muscle mass... and, if I don't feel comfortable at the three year mark, I'll wait another year.

Sure, it's possible the breed them younger and smaller---as is done successfully quite often---but I don't want to risk it. These girls are my pets more than anything. I want them healthy and happy...

Jeez, give them some time to be young and carefree!

[Bright202]

Jeez, give them some time to be young and carefree!

Haha, Lynn I love ya!

[jknudson]

I jsut thought that the general consensus was, minimal female weight for breeding : 1500 grams. With respect to the snake's body type of course; a long skinny 1500-grammer is not as massive of course as a shorter fattie..
So who-all thinks I should run my 1200g female with a male? I am interested to know.

It's your animal...thats YOUR call. I can't tell you if it will work or not...however that 1200g female of yours can.

If she's not in the right condition, or you think its unsafe for her to lay a clutch of eggs and lose a large amount of her mass....then probably don't do it. But she'll lay if she'll lay...if she's not ready likely she wouldn't ovulate...or slug out. If you're hesitant...wait until next year...she'll just be larger.

I have a two time proven girl that is only 1400 grams...she's eaten like crazy all year and hasn't put on any more weight...she's plenty old...and she'll give it a go again this year.

[Ginevive]

If I went by her body type and appetite, yes I think she's ready. She has the most voracious appetite of any snake I have ever had! She is chunky also..

[PythonWallace]

From what I've seen, it's not uncommon to breed a shorter chunky 1200g female, while passing on a 1700g 4+ footer, as long as they are old enough. It's ultimately up to you, but I wouldn't breed a female that's only one year old.