Oldest breeding female

[chris-uk]

Those of you that breed...how old is your oldest female that is still breeding (or how old was the mother of your oldest litter)?
Reason for asking is that Char has spoken to someone about a breeding trio (2 males, 1 female) of San Frans. They are 3 years old and confirmed breeders. We're trying to find out more, because we originally enquired about a couple of babies from this breeder.
So I'm trying to judge whether there's much breeding life left in the female. Does it vary in different sub-species?

[Thamnophis]

I have some ladies (sirtalis sirtalis, black and sirtalis tetrataenia) of 6 year who still produce healthy young. They all brumate every year during 2 - 3 months in the refrigerator at 4 - 6 degrees C. They are captive born ladies.

[kibakiba]

It depends on each individual snake, 3 years old isn't that old. That would be a normal breeding age for a NW (they don't reach adult size until 3). As long as she's healthy, I could see her having quite a few litters.

[guidofatherof5]

3 years old sound like they are at prime breeding age with many years left.
I base my opinion on my snakes.

Beautiful snakes and I wish the best of luck.

[chris-uk]

It sounds like the age of the snake isnt an issue. We just need to ask a few more questions and see if we can get them for a reasonable price.

[PINJOHN]

slightly off topic i know but the male that fathered your snakes is over ten years old, not only that but he shows an interest in any female no matter what species and hassles them continually, should have called him Errol

[chris-uk]

lol. I remembered that you'd said the father of our bunch was an old guy.
I'd read about female snakes hitting a menopause in captivity, but not really seen anything about when it kicks in.

Here's hoping Char hears back from the guy with the San Fran trio soon, if we do buy them it will take a little bit of planning and preparation.

[PINJOHN]

The Borg could not have assimilated you two any more successfully than we have,

[ssssnakeluvr]

I was given a female flame/ery eastern this year. she had produced a litter earlier. she is one of the earlier flame/ery girls, probably 10 years old or more.

[Char361979]

Academic... Not getting these three. Way too much. Now in a bad mood. Hrumph.