All about there feeding responce before breeding begins. If she eats Strong for me for a few months strait I know she is going to breed. If she stops feeding I could care less. I know she will eat after she lays.. If a small girl is 3 years old or more she will produce for you year after year.. Again If The SNAKE is happy with her size then you should be happy with her size! Dont try to make her bigger then she wants to be.. And dont be affraid to let her do what she does best!