Chinchilla Community Forums
Breeders => Serious Breeder Chat => Herd Management => Topic started by: Debbie.nl.ca on March 12, 2010, 01:42:51 PM
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How long do chins keep breeding for, to what age?
Will females just stop at a certain age?
Or do you guys take them out of breeding when they reach a certain age?
Do you just let them keep breeding until you see some signs it's getting to hard on her?
If so what would those signs be?
And does breeding shorten the life span of the females?
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I find females stop breeding at different ages. I had a female still breeding at 15 years old and I know ranchers with breeders older than that so I don't believe responsible breeding shortens the life on average. Each time a female has a litter in my herd I pay attention to how she does (keeping a good weight while nursing, being a good mother, overall health). If she is thriving I breed her again. If not I take her out. I have taken females out after a few years who just weren't bouncing back like they should, but otherwise I let them breed as long as they will. I do know that most will stop breeding at some age. (not one set age) I'm guessing its like a human going through menopause. Each one is different.
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Nice to know Jamie thanks.
I have a couple that seem to be such pros, and just keep going and going and seem so happy and content to do so.
I have not seen any signs that they need a break and just wanted to make sure it was OK. ::nod::
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Yep! NO need to separate a happy couple. :)