Ball Python Recovery Time - 1700grams

[eddy350]

Hi,
I just bought a 1700 gram female ball python. The guy i bought it from said she laid a clutch in May 2011. Does that mean she cant lay another one till May 2012?
Thanks,
Eddy

[2kdime]

That would be about right for breeding her again this Winter

These snakes only reproduce once a year

You just have to decide if your going to breed her back to back or give her a year off

[eddy350]

He said she has produced several clutches for him. Would a female that size be okay breeding this year also? Im not willing to take any risks.
Thanks,
Eddy

[2kdime]

Id just do a little research

Some people don't hesitate to breed females year after year

Some like to give them a year off here and there

1700g is right on par for a breeding girl

You just need to evaluate how much weight she lost and if she is putting it back on and healthy enough for this coming season

[snake lab]

Keep in mind in nature ball pythons are built to breed their entire lives. The things you have to look for when making the decision to take a year off or not is to watch how fast she puts good weight back on, muscle tone, and you want her eating well also. If she laid in may then she was probablly cooled in october - novemberish so as long as shes doing well and putting good weight back on ahe should be fine. If shes hit or miss on feeding, lookin a little thin with some loose skin i wouldnt push her. Keep in mind she will most likely go off feed during the breeding season especially if you cool to breed so make sure she has enough in the tank to handl the rigors of breeding season