I decide a female is ready to breed based on...

[broadude]

Temperament, Age, follicle development (yes, I can feel them) size/weight.

I don't have any "snappy" adult animals but if I did..that means that they do not have a good personality, and they definitely would not be in my breeding pool (I am the same way with my rats).

Age is a definite factor then follicle development..because they usually develop the follicles when their body is getting ready to breed (changing to adults) I haven't seen/experienced follicle development in any animals under 1year old..finally, I decide if she has enough weight to be able to handle it without losing a lot.

So basically both, but it's actually more complicated than that.

[MDB]

...poll says it all.

agreed

[icygirl]

Temperament, Age, follicle development (yes, I can feel them) size/weight.

I don't have any "snappy" adult animals but if I did..that means that they do not have a good personality, and they definitely would not be in my breeding pool (I am the same way with my rats).

Age is a definite factor then follicle development..because they usually develop the follicles when their body is getting ready to breed (changing to adults) I haven't seen/experienced follicle development in any animals under 1year old..finally, I decide if she has enough weight to be able to handle it without losing a lot.

So basically both, but it's actually more complicated than that.

Sorry if this is an obvious question but how does one check for follicles?

[broadude]

Sorry if this is an obvious question but how does one check for follicles?

There's a website that explains it in detail. I think Ralph has a very good one. http://www.ralphdavisreptiles.com/ma.../palpating.asp

Check it out. It took me a while to get the hang of it.

[Vacado]

I am still a little confused on the follicles. I understand how to feel for them, but Ralph was talking about doing it on females that had been bred. Does it work the same way for virgins, or do you have to try breeding her first and then check for follicle development to see if she took?

On Friday I'm getting a 1100+ gram mid-2007 hatch female and was hoping to breed her next November or December, but I want to make absolutely sure that she is ready for the strain of egg-production. I'd rather wait another year than risk her health.

v

[broadude]

I am still a little confused on the follicles. I understand how to feel for them, but Ralph was talking about doing it on females that had been bred. Does it work the same way for virgins, or do you have to try breeding her first and then check for follicle development to see if she took?

On Friday I'm getting a 1100+ gram mid-2007 hatch female and was hoping to breed her next November or December, but I want to make absolutely sure that she is ready for the strain of egg-production. I'd rather wait another year than risk her health.

v

Yes, some of my girls are virgins and this is their first season. I can feel follicles.

[mrewildstyle]

I would definately agree witht he consensus on both. Reason being....they may have the weight.....and may be sexually mature enough....but in the long run....will she know how to bounce back following the egg lay....and will she breed the following year.

I must add.....if she is only a year old and 1300grams.....she is probably going to be a little on the fat side. Weight is one thing...but you also want some length. I have a fat snake right now....and I am not breeding her because she is on the fat side....even though her weight agrees. It all comes down to what is healthiest for your female....not your wallet....not your collection.

[greghall]

Im on the fence weather to try my female 100% het albino female,she was hatched aug. 07 & she is as of now 1230g ,But mainly its left to my 650g male albino if he's going to lock or not.I got his little but in with my 3600g female right now but I don't think he likes BIG girls.

[gcanibe]

Im on the fence weather to try my female 100% het albino female,she was hatched aug. 07 & she is as of now 1230g ,But mainly its left to my 650g male albino if he's going to lock or not.I got his little but in with my 3600g female right now but I don't think he likes BIG girls.

Can u Post Pics of ur 3600g female? I really like big females.....

[JKExotics]

Neither, when a female is ready to breed she will. An undersized snake will not breed just because she's underweight. When she is ready she will let you know by breeding, I agree with not bredding anything under 1400g but even some 1400g females will just refuse to breed if they are not ready they just won't. Stress and habitat is also a factor not just age and weight alot of things come into play.