No Locks - Next Steps?

[Eric Alan]

After a seemingly unsuccessful pairing, meaning 3 days together and no observed locks, would anyone recommend repeating the same paring the following week? He didn't lose any weight and took a meal afterwards. As of right now, I don't have another female planned for this particular male, so it's not like he's got somewhere else to be. Thanks for your insight in advance!

Best regards,
Eric

[rlditmars]

If that is what you planned to pair, then what do you have to lose by trying again? First because you didn't observe a lock, doesn't mean conclusively they didn't lock. It may also be that they aren't into one night stands and just want to take it a little slower and get to know one another.

But seriously, you may want to watch the weather and when there is stormy weather coming in, try pairing them again. For some reason ball pythons will be a lot more receptive to breeding with low pressure weather systems upon you. Best of luck whatever you decide and hope you have a successful season.

[John Marker]

If he is a first time breeder, you may need to leave him in with her for longer periods of time. I will typically leave my newbie males in for 5 to 7 days before I see them lock. While 3 days is the accepted standard, you have to do what your animals need. They don't read the same books/forums that we do.

Hope this helps!

John

[calmolly1]

Bottle of wine and Barry White (joke stolen from someone else lol)


Molly & Steve
0.1 normal BP 'Precioucess'
0.1 BCI 'Luna'

[Stewart_Reptiles]

People seems to already panicking because they don't see locks................RELAX

• It is still VERY early in the season
• Because you do not see a lock does not mean it does not happen
• Pay attention to the weather when pairing
• If you have other BP use them, use sheds and sperm plugs

And remember if you use seasons it's only november.

[Sammiebob]

I live in Portland Oregon and it rains a lot here, and this is my first pairing but both of my breeders are proven so I've been getting locks already. Are either of yours first timers?

[Eric Alan]

People seems to already panicking because they don't see locks................RELAX

• It is still VERY early in the season
• Because you do not see a lock does not mean it does not happen
• Pay attention to the weather when pairing
• If you have other BP use them, use sheds and sperm plugs

And remember if you use seasons it's only november.

I'm not panicking at all. I'm just wondering about best practices. Did I come across that way? If so, I didn't mean to. I'm honestly just wondering how long and/or how often folks repeat the same pairing if neither of the two animals seem to show any interest.

- - - Updated - - -

I live in Portland Oregon and it rains a lot here, and this is my first pairing but both of my breeders are proven so I've been getting locks already. Are either of yours first timers?

They both are in this pairing.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I'm not panicking at all. I'm just wondering about best practices. Did I come across that way? If so, I didn't mean to. I'm honestly just wondering how long and/or how often folks repeat the same pairing if neither of the two animals seem to show any interest.

- - - Updated - - -

They both are in this pairing.

My males generally see females once a month for no longer than 48 hours at the time, I do pay attention to weather and I do use sperm plugs or shed when I feel it is necessary.

It is possible that certain animals are not receptive to one another however it is too early to tell still and if it is the case this is why you should have multiple females and multiple males so you do not gamble everything on a specific pair.

[Eric Alan]

My males generally see females once a month for no longer than 48 hours at the time, I do pay attention to weather and I do use sperm plugs or shed when I feel it is necessary.

It is possible that certain animals are not receptive to one another however it is too early to tell still and if it is the case this is why you should have multiple females and multiple males so you do not gamble everything on a specific pair.

I don't want this to come across the wrong way (and I appreciate your experience greatly), but I have no idea why I'm getting the "...you should have multiple females and multiple males so you do not gamble everything on a specific pair" advice. I am fully aware of that, and besides - I'm not gambling anything. It's fun!

In my small collection, I only have 4 males (1 under-sized, another not in rotation) and 12 females (over half are under-sized). This male was a spectacular unexpected pickup over the summer, and because of that I only have one female (Enchi) ready for this guy (Pastel Clown) at this time.

For my other pairing last week (Enchi Fire YB x Proven Normal), I got to see my first lock ever! That guy's got a comparatively full slate lined up, so I'm thrilled that he took right to it.

[Sammiebob]

One thing that I heard about to try is to put two or three males in together for about 10 minutes to let them acknowledge each other and they should see each other as threats so they are more inclined to be the alpha and sire more clutches