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Posted by mikecoscia on April 23, 2003 at 11:20:18:
In Reply to: Age for a cresty to breed? posted by azteclizard on April 23, 2003 at 10:34:36:
It is common sense that animals grow slower and less frequent then they do in captivity. However since you live by your articles and always doubt me for some reason here is a quote from Rhacodactylus: Biology, Natural History & Husbandry, “Captive-bred geckos reach sexual maturity much earlier, and the period of pregnancy is much shorter then in captured specimens. This phenomenon most probably results from the optimal nourishment and general keeping conditions prevailing in our terrariums. As a consequence, the intervals between the clutches are usually shorter, too, so that females bear the risk of ‘wearing out prematurely’.” Since I care about the well being of my animals the last part is of concern to me. So my guys do not breed every year. There is also more that relates to what I have been saying about females and stress during breeding, but I am not going to quote the whole book.
As far as me comparing reptiles to humans, sure the times and ways vary greatly. However when you get down to it reproduction is reproduction. It does not matter if you are an intelligent ape or a single celled ameba. Everything has to reach a certain point before they can reproduce. After they need a period of rest to replenish what they have lost so they can reproduce again. If they do not get enough time between intervals they “wear out prematurely”. Reason being they are sacrificing nutrients they need for their own bodies for reproduction, something I have seen many times with many species. So it is going to do nothing but benefit your animals to breed them slightly older and less frequently. 10 months is absurd, but if you are not concerned about the well being of your animals, then go nuts.
-Mike
