Suggested minimum breeding weight?

[Sunrise Reptile]

OK, here's a question I've been kicking around in my head for a couple days now and a search resulted in a big fat "NIL".

The minimum breeding weight for female Leos is said to be 40 grams (which I know doesn't hold true for everyone), but is there such a thing for crested geckos? And if not and you're a breeder, what is the minimum weight at which you'd subject a female to breeding? Thanks in advance for the responses!

 

[Select Gex]

Eh, I'd say 25 to 30 grams. Post a pic with a size comparison and maybe we can help a bit more.

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

Crested Gecko female minimum breeding weight? Is there or is there not such a thing? If there is, I'd like to know what it is. Thanks!

 

[mrcsk8ter44445]

yes there is such a thing, I dont breed yet but most people say 30-35 grams

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

Cool...I also have a book I can check, but I appreciate the info! :main_yes:

 

[crestedempire]

I would personally be patient and at least wait until your female hits at least 35 g, some people do breed at 30 g but you will have better results if you hold off until they put on a little more weight. First time breeders generally have bad hatch rates to begin with so if you give them some time the 1st year hatch rate and the crested will be better off.
-Mohammad

 

[Haroldo]

I personally am concerned a bit less so with breeding size, and moreso with age. For instance, I had ciliatus get up to breeding weight at 10 months. I've heard of others getting leachianus up to size in less than 18 months. Weight is not necessarily indicative of sexual maturity. Personally, I wait until my ciliatus are 18 months of age and 35-40g+. I grow all my animals "slowly" so this is what works best for me. I also only let me females produce 5-6 clutches a year (breeding season is about 6 months), while others let theirs breed for 8-10 months and up to 10 clutches. All these factors and others heavily affect the lifespans of our animals and I am more concerned with having them around a long time, than "Crankin" out lots of geckos. Sorry for the rant, just felt like I needed to say it...

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

Let me first say I'm not in a hurry. I wasn't going to breed my animals until next year anyway, and may even wait a little longer based on what I'm seeing.

Haraldo, no need for an apology. You presented some great arguments! :main_thumbsup: Thanks for the insight! :main_yes: