Is breeding fair?

[StickytheGecko]

I currently have a male in a 20 gallon tank, and I was looking into maybe getting a female because I know males can't live together, however, I know there is a high chance of them breeding. I'm not sure how I feel about this, is it unfair to the female? I don't want to put unnecessary stress on an animal, or is it just part of their natural lives? I am afraid of it being inhumane to the female, what do you guys think?

 

[acpart]

Breeding does put more stress on a female than not breeding, but that's true of people and all other creatures (except bugs maybe) as well. Here is what, in my opinion, makes it a reasonable choice:
--the female is the right size and age for breeding
--she is well fed and well supplemented
--If, at the end of the breeding season, she is unusually thin and seems to have signs of MBD, you retire her from breeding (this has happened to a few of my females and they recovered well after being retired)
--This is more for you than the female: are you going to be prepared to incubate eggs, feed and house hatchlings, deal with possible deformities and spend money for vet visits if they become necessary.

Aliza