I started pairing my Pastel Butter male with my biggest normal female a month ago (I only had her for a month prior to that). The breeder that I bought her from said that she laid on or around Halloween the last 2 years and so I wanted to pair her up as quickly as possible. The morning after the first night that I paired them they were locked up. They were locked up for the next 36 hours or so (talk about stamina!).

Since then I have been pairing them every week (3 days on 4 days off) but have yet to see another lock. This surprised me since the two were so willing to breed the first time. The second time I paired them the male was in shed (I didn't catch it as I put him in at night) so it makes sense that he didn't want to breed that week. The 3rd attempt the female was in shed which I read is actually a good time to put in the male because the female is usually less resistant. This last time I put in another proven male I have with her for a while to try and make my Pastel Butter jealous from his scent.

So I have paired them 5 times now and the only lock I saw was at the first pairing. I know it's possible they may have locked up during the night or day when I wasn't home, I just assume I would have caught it since their first lock was for over 36 hours! They are always cuddled up when they are together, just no locks.

I haven't really seen any signs of building from her other than after she shed she does look a little more bright (glowy?) than usual. I wouldn't be so antsy but it's getting close to her usual laying time and wish I was seeing more positive signs!

I'm probably just being paranoid and impatient here but I just wanted to get some feedback if this is normal. How often do snakes actually lock up when you pair them (every time, most of the time?). I will continue to put my male with her until I see an ovulation or it's obvious that she won't go this year. This is my first year breeding so any insight is appreciated!

Here is a picture of her for reference.