Age vs. Breeding?

[whyjune1st]

I have recently been offered a female axolotl. I have been wanting a female so that i could breed her with my male. She however is 10 years old and i was wondering how that would effect her breeding capabilities. I ask because i know that human eggs have a strong increase in birth defects as the mother gets older. Any input is appreciated, thank you.

 

[callina]

Hi whyjune1st,

because of your axies age there are no problems expected. Female axies can breed her whole life and their larvae will be strong and healthy.

-Tina-

 

[Darkmaverick]

Hi whyjune1st,

I have a slightly different idea to callina. Firstly there are many variables that determine the breeding capabilities of a sexually matured female axie besides age. These other factors include the nutritional state, physical conformation (ie no deformed cloaca), health status, stress level (environment) and breeding stimulus (light, temperature).

Most members will recommend breeding a female axie when its about 1 and a half to 2 years of age rather than too young as that can take its toll on the axie. It is true that female axies upon sexual maturity will be able to breed continuously throughout their lifespan. However, i speculate that advanced age can have an impact on the quality and quantity of eggs laid.

The breeding potential of a female axie is largely genetically determined. I believe some breeders have observed that for any particular axie, the number of eggs laid and the quality of eggs laid does differ as the axie ages. Perhaps some experienced axie breeders can share their observations?

Cheers.

 

[SludgeMunkey]

Personally, I noticed a decrease in egg viability as my breeder female aged.

The older she got, the smaller her clutches, and the higher the percentage of unfertilized eggs.

Additionally this pair were constant breeders, often producing fertilized clutches three to five times a year. As they both aged, the frequency of breeding decreased as well. In their final year, they produced one clutch of about 100 eggs of which none were fertile.


(Personal observation, personal husbandry notes from 2003 through 2008)