I haven't decided how low I'd be willing to go - both males breeding for me this year are over 1100 grams.

Would I ever breed a much smaller male? I'm opening up my mind to learning from others who have bred younger, lighter males.

But I think the most IMPORTANT thing, when making any decision that directly affects your animals is to tune in to them and the signals that they're giving you. You know if your animal is stressed, is acting off, even if they are behaviorally different because of breeding anyway. You have to know your animals, and be willing to put a project on hold for another year if you determine it's in your animals' best interest.

I believe that Jas has been succesful breeding younger males, because he IS so tuned into his animals and doesn't overdue it.

Was I shocked to learn that Murphy, little 200 gram Murphy has already been bred when he was in John's care? Yes, absolutely! Was I concerned about it? Nope, I held that animal in my hands before tucking him away in QT. I trust John knows what he's doing, and this animal appears healthy, is alert, and yes, he's settled in quickly and had his first meal tonight. I don't think he suffered one bit from John's decision.

Will I breed him this year? I haven't decided. Right now - with my current plans, I don't have any females for him. However, if Winston and Pandora still haven't hit it off by March, I may run Murphy with Pandora, and I'm sure picking John's brain about breeding a younger animal.