Breeding questions

[Emily_Doughty]

Semi new to breeding. I know there is a specific breeding season, but can a ball python female become gravid at anytime of the year? How do I tell when a female should be paired? Like I know what they should weigh and ages but is there a specific time of the month like with humans? I know this is stupid but I’m curious.

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[Mr.Snake]

Not stupid questions at all but you could save yourself some time waiting on replies and read through the forums, it's all here already

[Stewart_Reptiles]

While there is a breeding season which mainly try to copy the natural season at which BP will breed in the wild, BP can bred year round in captivity as well, in that case you need to know when to do it and know when you are wasting your time.

I breed year round, and depending on the female in question I take two different route.

The first thing is that my animals male and females MUST be of proper weight, proper age and proper proportions, sometimes proper weight does not mean ideal body proportions.

Once they reach that point they will enter in breeding rotation.

When ever pairing it is always important to use the weather at your advantage even more so when you breed year round, pairing during storms, cold front and low pressure is what you are aiming for, of course pairing when the female is prime is very important too.

When I start pairing I go about it 2 different ways, for females that are proven I will only start pairing them when they start follicular development (that's where reading your animals comes into play). Those female will on their own without introduction of a male move on the cool side, that's what tells you that they are starting to develop follicles.

For females that are virgin, I will (again using the weather) start introducing the male even though they have not yet started follicular development, this will help stimulate the female.

After that how do you recognize all the good sign and using them at your advantage? Here it is http://ballpython.ca/breeding/

I always recommend first time breeder to actually follow breeding season at first and getting themselves familiar with what to expect and when as they learn to read their animals, after that they should experiment and see what works best for themselves and their animals. Their are different ways to do thing you just need to find the way that works for you and keep in mind not to over breed your animals and know when to stop.