Late breeding with a small male?

[sweballp]

Hey!

I've got a male bp which I aquired a few months ago. At first he was eating fine, but then about two months ago I bought an adult female and around that time the male started refusing food. So I'm thinking the male is smelling the female and therefore has shifted his interest from food to the female. Previously to buying the adult female, I had no other female ball above 600g.

Soo... the question is: should I pair the male and female? The female is ready for sure, easily over 1500g and 4+ years old. The male on the other hand weighs in at a little over 500g empty. I've read that it's not uncommon for males to be mature enough at this weight, and the seller told me he was ready for breeding, so I guess he is producing spermplugs.

Since this would be the first time breeding snakes for me I'm a bit concerned about letting the male have a go at the female since he isn't of optimal weight. However I have read ALOT about breeding and it is very tempting for me to try now...

So please come with opinions! What would you guys do?

[snakesRkewl]

I do breed males that small and smaller, but only if they are chowing food.
Males in my experience aren't like females in that breeding them will get them eating again.
It's usually quite the opposite.

[BHReptiles]

I do breed males that small and smaller, but only if they are chowing food.
Males in my experience aren't like females in that breeding them will get them eating again.
It's usually quite the opposite.

^ this. I started breeding my male at 500g but he was eating rats like they were going out of style. The moment he stops eating, he's getting pulled.

I'd not pair and double check husbandry and see if you can't get him eating again.

[csagen]

I think if you can get your male eating again you would be fine. Just keep a close eye on him and dont over work him. Wouldnt hurt to do a few days on and maybe even 5-7 days off since you only have one female ready. Also, you mentioned that your only other females are around the 600g range, I was just curious are you prepared for babies? Incubator, hatchling rack, food, bedding, etc? Since it seems like this was kind of spur of the moment, just be sure you are ready for all of this to happen. Good luck! I hope it is a success.Calder

[axeman569]

What everyone else has said. I bred my Chocolate male for the first time last year. At the start of the season he was 450g. By the end he was 600g. He sire 2 clutches. One was 4 eggs and the other 9 eggs. 1 died in the egg and 1 was infertile. All the rest hatched. I did give him plenty of rest in between pairings.

[sweballp]

Well got him eating again today! Just had to do alot more zombie-dancing then usual. Ill feed him once or twice more and then ill let him try to woo the female. Thanks for your answears!