Pet or Breeder

[hhmoore]

As some of you know, I used to breed Jungle/Diamond crosses. The last clutch I produced was back in 05...largely because my favorite female, "Sydney", died during egg deposition in 06. I'd had her for 14 yrs, and was devastated...I gave away the male and the other gravid female, because I knew I didn't want to deal with them or their offspring.
For whatever reason, I had held onto a couple of the 05 babies...and the female is close to maturity. I've gotten rid of most of my other carpets, but still have a few around - just because I like them. I find myself thinking about breeding her (she isn't the best Syd produced, but she's the only female of hers that I have); but, half the time, I don't think she is has the look.
So - I turn to you.....is she a pet, or a potential breeder.

 

[hhmoore]

Wow - those pictures look bad....I might have to try that outside, if the sun ever comes back out.
(btw - she doesn't live in a rack....she's just camping in one while I move things around)

 

[hhmoore]

Sydney, at 13 yrs

 

[Serafim]

I think she looks great inside and outside. I would say the itch to breed is still there. I say go for it. A beloved animal is hard to replace but I say you should still go on doing what you love to do. Just my $.02

 

[Serafim]

oppps I meant to say. She would look good inside or outside. LOL

 

[LauraB]

Well, I can't vouch for her insides (LOL, John..that was funny) but Syd did produce a very pretty girl!

My $.02 ... why does she have to be one or the other? She's an awesome pet that could produce awesome babies

I'm with John, go for it, especially since you already find yourself thinking about it.

 

[hhmoore]

Well, you're right, there - she's a pet, regardless of whether I choose to breed her.
I guess I'll give her another year to see how her colors go. If I come across the right male, I might go for it. I've decided that the male I kept from another clutch produced that year isn't breeding quality (though I have one nice looking male that was a very poor feeder, who might be ready in a year or two: http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showpost.php?p=569188&postcount=1 ). If all else fails, and if I haven't sold him, I have a young male diamond that is very pretty...but his pattern shows a bit of banding instead of just rosettes. He isn't what I want for my diamond female, but I bet he'd be make some knockout babies with with Syd's little girl (and it's always nice to put a fresh splash of diamond in there ).