Question on sexual maturity

[ChrisnLisa]

We recently bought a female veiled (thanks Eric! she's stunning) that we plan on breeding with one of our males this summer. She is 10 months old but still very small. She has been raised in a way to not produce eggs until mated. Our question is how do we know when she is sexually mature enough to breed? I know most people wait until a year old which is what we are planning, but how else do we know? Is it her weight..if so what should she weigh? Is it her coloring...what should it be?

We did show her to our male through his cage to see their reactions but she didn't do anything. Her color stayed a perfect pale green and she started walking towards his cage. He booked it to the door of his cage, turned very bright colors and puffed out his neck. He didn't gape or put up his front legs or anything. So any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[ChrisnLisa]

28 views and no replies?? Just hoping someone would put in their two cents. Do you base afemale being ready on weight or age or both? And does their coloring change when they become sexually mature? or does it just stay that light green? We've searched several posts and all the info I seem to find talks about gravid/non-receptive colors. Do they change colors at all when you show them to a male if they are not sexually mature? Any info is appreciated.

 

[CleanLineChameleons]

Well some people go by length and some by weight. If she is 10 months old then I would say she is sexually mature. The reasoning for waiting is to make sure her body is strong enough to support the eggs without putting her at risk. If you go by length I would say do not breed her if she is shorter than 12" (preferably around 15), if you go by weight I would say no lighter than 60 g (preferably around 75g). So, if you are planning to breed her go ahead and bump up her food intake, get her some silkies and some fatty worms (supers or butter). But keep her staple roaches, crickets, or silkies. That is my two cents, hope it helps

-chris

 

[ChrisnLisa]

Yes, thank you. Well we are definitely aware of the tolls it takes on the body which is why we are continuing to raise her in a way to not produce eggs until we decide to mate her. I'm just a facts and figures kind of person so I wanted some numbers either size or weight from those who had breeding experience. Thanks for your 2 cents