How old should the Male Leopard Gecko be to mate?

Question

I know with female leopard geckos it has to do with weight before you can breed them is it the same for males?

The male I'll be purchasing is 3 months old- I assume that is too soon to breed- is weight a factor with males?

I'm not in a rush but I would like to know at what point he should be allowed to breed with my 2 year old female leopard gecko (pictures here if you are curious: http://isis.deviantart.com/art/Izzy-Size-Update-94270818

Answer 1

KUDDOS on raising your female (good body weight, nice reserves in her tail), and also on investigating before breeding.

Males don't have to produce the eggs, so they can start much younger.  Some males will be able to breed as young as 6 mo. of age.  It doesn't tax his reserves, like producing eggs will tax the female, so the only real factor for the male is reaching sexual maturity, and being healthy.

However, the size of the male can be a factor when breeding in another way.  A larger female could injure him, so if you introduce a smaller male, they must be closely monitored.  It boils down to individual aggression behaviors.

Have you done all your research about breeding, brooding, and caring for the young?  It's takes a lot of mini habitats, heat, and insects to get a baby from the egg, stable, and grown enough to place in a new home.  A single laying female can produce up to 20 eggs in a laying season.  That's a lot of little ravenous mouths to feed.

ALso, you can't keep babies on sand (adults should never be put on a loose substrate either).

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

I hope this has been helpful.

Answer 2

typically it is said to be best to wait until they are about 8 - 12 months.....

Answer 3

Usually males won't be sexually mature till at least 6 months.  I'd suggest waiting till he's full-grown till so he has enough time to grow and mature.  The weight for a male is a lot less important because he doesn't have to lay the eggs... just make sure he's healthy.