Question about clutch size...

[Sonya610]

Can some of the experienced breeders give me an estimate on predicting the size of a clutch if...

Female is about 2-3 years old and has NOT been brumated? She is not terribly large, if I were to let her in with the male this spring and she became gravid (I know it would be iffy) how many babies would be likely?

I am somewhat tempted to breed because they are both so beautiful, she is a high orange albino flame and he a normal flame that is 100% het albino (hope I typed that right).

Thing is I would want a small and manageable clutch as I would not want to be worried about finding good homes for them all.

[guidofatherof5]

What you get is just that, what you get. Has she birthed any babies or will this be her first?
Much depends on her size and the number of ova in the chain. With the births on the Ranch I've had females delivering for the first time averaging about 12-15 babies. There or course are exceptions to those numbers.
Many, many variables makes answering your question difficult.

[Sonya610]

This would be her first. She is not a very big girl, I am thinking your ranch females are often much larger.

To give you an idea of her size she was about the same size as Ny when you got her only the flame is a bit thicker.

I thought smaller/younger snakes have smaller clutches?

[guidofatherof5]

As a rule you would be right but then........... :D
I would think 10-20 would be a safe guess.

[Eddie]

17

[guidofatherof5]

17

I'm going to remember this Eddie.:D

[Eddie]

:)

[Sonya610]

Thanks guys. You have talked me out of that crazy idea!

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks guys. You have talked me out of that crazy idea!

That wasn't our plan. Experiencing the birth of garters is a wonderful thing.

[BLUESIRTALIS]

Agreed!
that wasn't our plan. Experiencing the birth of garters is a wonderful thing.

[slipknot711]

even if you dont want to become an avid breeder (like me). im too busy working for the power company. but id like to experience one birth from my loves. i cant have kids of my own so ill live out my mommy dreams thru one of my snakes. prolly just once :)

[Sonya610]

Yes while birth is lovely it also means you are responsible for them (at least I think so).

Four or six babies....well I could find great homes for some and easily keep the others.

Ten or twenty????? Errrrrmmmm....no. That is more than I want to guarantee caring for over the next 15 years.

[slipknot711]

you could find them great homes i bet. im sure if you sell them cheap theyd go like hotcakes :)

[slipknot711]

id take one :)