Girl's First Time

[Samba]

Ok, as many of you know that I have been DYING to breed Girl, my albino leo, practically since the day I got her! She is now almost two years old and 50+ grams. We've been through hard times where we lost what was going to be her mate. We found another mate for her and he was diagnosed with worms, thus needed to be treated. Now, at last, I've found a beautiful Tremp albino male that is a proven breeder and has a clean bill of health. The owner of this beauty is willing to waive the stud fee for some of the babies that may come of their introduction. Before I go into this, I seek the advice of sSnakeSs most experienced breeders.

I have NEVER bred a first-timer before... are there any special precautions should take? I am planning to monitor and tape the introduction, and hope that copulation comes quickly, painlessly, and easily for my 'baby.' She is well-socialized and gets along with other geckos very well.... however, she has been on her own for about 6 months now.

For the first introduction, I am planning on leaving Girl in with the male for about 12 hours overnight. I am picking a date when I have the night off so I can watch them closely. (The male will be staying with me in one of my spare enclosures. He will be 'moving in' sometime next week... I will probably keep him for about 2 weeks... so that he can get adjusted and will have plenty of time for mating).

If this introductory period goes well, but no mating was observed, Girl shall be introduced again in 2 days. Same 12 hour-period under close observation.

There will not be any more introductions after the third try... and hopfully Girl will be gravid. The owner of the male, (his name is Leo), has an incubator that we will use to keep the eggs nice and warm before hatching.

After all that Girl and I have been through, I hope these plans fall into place accordingly. Any advice and last minute ideas would help. Girl and her mate, Leo, will be getting fecals done (again) prior to introductions. Thanks in advance!

[drewlowe]

Don't be alarmed when you see them mating and the boy is biting at her neck or head. It is normal. Unless they are absolutly going at it (fighting wise). I have seen my leos mate a few times and it was pretty quick and neat to watch. Let us know the outcome of them mating.

[Tim and Julie B]

First timers are all I've ever bred:D Until this year though, and I found it no different than the veterans! Girl may be stand-offish at first, until she realizes what is expected of her. It will probably be quick (..men...) but just watch that the male doesn't get too frisky! The only need to seperate before copulation "imo" is if blood is drawn, otherwise let nature take its course. Best of luck:D

Julie B.

[Samba]

LOL Julie! Thank you, Jamie and Julie both for responding... I will keep you guys updated on this... I should be introducing Girl and Leo sometime next week after we get their fecals done. Just wanted to double-check and making sure that I wasn't forgetting anything!

[drewlowe]

Your welcome,

It's just alot of people freak out when they see the nipping thing going on. So i wanted to let you know it was normal. And within a few weeks you should see some white spots in her belly and girl getting bigger. Don't be alarmed either when she lays her eggs she will lose weight from her tail.

[Tim and Julie B]

Post pics if you can too! :D

[Samba]

Tim & Julie... I'm working on that as we speak! I don't have a digi cam, and unfortunately, I don't know anyone who does either! I do have a camcorder, however, and I will be video-taping the events. I will then have prints made from the tape, and hopfully I can get a disk too, so I can post pics from the film here! It's all very complicated, but hopfully it'll work out!