Breeding tips?

[dmalle02]

Hi every one Im Derrek and this is my first year breeding ball pythons. I have done a ton of research but was hoping for some more info from the pros. I know I am at kind of a late start in the season but from what I have read there is still a bit of hope. I recently Purchased a 10 year old normal ball python from a local breeder Tim Cranwill. She weighs 2450 grams and has bred before. Before I had purchased her Tim had her locked up with a pastave 1 time. After I brought her home I put my 1200 gram mojave in with her and I checked on them in an hour and they were already locked which lasted a hole 46 hours!! After they seperated I removed my mojave (buster) and fed my female (baby) she accepted and offered buster but he refused. They have been seperated for almost 48 hours now so I am going to put him back in tomorrow and hope for another lock. What I was hoping to get from you guys is maybe any success stories about breeding late in the year? or any tips that can help me suceed. ANY useful information would be great!! Also I have already went out and bought the majority of the supplies to make an incubator that will be needed just in case i do get lucky, however was just wondering what is the minimum size cooler I would require for one clutch of eggs? Thanks a ton in advance!!

[dmalle02]

also should i wait for her to digest her food before reintroducing the male?

[bones93]

I usually go on a 3 day in 5-7 day out rotation. This gives the males a break and prevents them from getting stressed and over worked. Some males will continue to feed and some wont eat the whole breeding season. Just keep an eye on the smaller males and be sure they arent getting overly skinny.
I have a bunch of females that are still a ways away from ovulation so dont worry you missed anything. Just pair em up.
If you are only planning on one clutch you can go with a small cooler. I also used a Hovabator incubator for my first season and it worked good hooked up to a good thermostat.
Good luck!

[Mike41793]

I agree with bones^
To make it easier you could do 2 in, 5 out or 3 in, 4 out. Just to make it an easier to rmbr 7 day schedule for yourself. Wait two days after they eat to give them time to digest. This is why 4-5 days apart is good for them.

[dmalle02]

Ok awesome thanks for the help. What's the latest that your girls have ovulated? I tried feeling for follicles but am have a horrible time actually feeling for them lol.

[bones93]

They can go at any time. Some people have females and eggs all year around. There really is no time frame. Its all about when they are ready.

[snakesRkewl]

Did you quarantine the snake, sounds like you took it home and threw a male in with her?

It's not late that late in the season, I have 2 females that started breeding this month and have no doubt they will deliver the goods later in the season.

[dmalle02]

ok thanks again guys! No I never quarantined her I have boughten all of my bps from him and they are all healthy. The male that I threw in with the Mojave I purchased from him 2 weeks prior so didn't really feel the need to quarentine. I kept a good eye on him and looked him
Over very well when I purchased him and all was well and she is also. Excuse my horrible punctuation and what not lol I'm using my phone and it's not the greatest for forums.

[Wonzzer]

Congratulations on the big girl you picked up. Hopefully you hit on some Pastavies. I have only been breeding for four years, but all I look for is ONE lock per month for each pair. I have always had a high rate of ovulations so I believe that is all it takes. Good luck.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

[dmalle02]

Thanks! Some locals seem to think I paid too much for her (300.00) as she is a normal. However I am pleased with her even for that price I really don't think it's to much at all for the size and just the fact that I may produce some pastavies! To be honest though pastavies would be awesome however even if I had all normals that were hatched healthy I wow be super happy as this is my first year