More breeding curiosities...

[chaMELeon012409]

I have a female about a year old and a male just short of a year. The male is most definitely ready to mate (robin-egg speckles), and I believe after their encounter that she is as well (being calm around the male.) The problem is, when I put the female in the male's cage, he puffed up and was pretty pissed. He went over and tried to bite her, but I got in the way (wearing gloves just in a case.) She didn't get defensive until he went over for an unwelcoming hello. The questions: May one really not be ready? Might he have felt invaded? Or does he just not like her? By the way, he is in an ExoTerra screen cage, I believe 3' high? And she is in a 2'x2'x5' homemade cage.

 

[bridgofaith]

Have you tried taking the male to the females cage?

 

[chaMELeon012409]

I thought of that, but since they had such a rough introduction to each other, I'll wait it out another day or two to try it.

 

[ChrisnLisa]

Didn't your female just lay a month ago? Why are you trying to breed her again so soon?

 

[chaMELeon012409]

That's something I couldn't find in the pages I looked at. And another question I should've asked. How long after laying is good time to try? How often are clutches laid?

 

[chameleonneeds]

Like 3 months, give her a break dude

 

[ChrisnLisa]

Most people will wait at least 6 months before breeding again. Some will only let their chams mate once a year.

 

[Chameleons Canada]

Most people will wait at least 6 months before breeding again. Some will only let their chams mate once a year.

You are kidding right? Could you please elaborate where did you find that info?

 

[chaMELeon012409]

That's just it. I didn't find a page that said, "I wait _____ time before I breed again." I didn't look exactly for that when I researched, and kinda dumb I didn't. How long do you wait chameleoholic?

 

[Brad Ramsey]

It's going to be at least 3 months before she is in cycle again.
This happens about three times a year for most female calyptratus in captivity due to their conditions being too ideal.
In their natural environment they cycle once a year (according to Ken Kalisch).
The color you describe on your male has nothing to do with breeding readiness ... males are always ready.
Females show the blue spots and stripes when receptive.
I think a lot more research is in order before you proceed with this project. You must also ask yourself why you want to do this.

-Brad

 

[ChrisnLisa]

You are kidding right? Could you please elaborate where did you find that info?

What do you mean where did I find that info? It's a matter of personal preference. Of course they are capable of breeding more than once or twice a year, but most breeders who care about the well-being of their chams choose not to do so. Like I said, personal preference. It is up to each keeper whether they keep their females as pets, or as I like to call it "disposable baby makers".