Breeding questions, new to breeding...

[RogueStar]

Here's a question about breeding balls. This is my first attempt ever so I'd like to do it right. I've read some guides and stuff on the net but haven't gotten any personal advice.

I live in such a weird place where bp breeding has practically never succeeded so there are no breeders around here. A friend of mine has some bps and they copulated last season, but nothing happened. Is this normal, or does some pairs just not breed together? The couple itself was ok, heavy and old enough to breed and everything looked good, but no eggs.

I have one good couple that I've seen copulating a few times this winter, but what do I do from now on to promote success? I've kept them warm day and night during the summer and turned off the heating for nights in the beginning of november. I put the male in with the female in the beginning of december. Now they have a hot spot during the day and room temperatures during the night. Neither is feeding, the male has lost a little weight but they both seem ok.

When is the best time to heat them back up to summer temps and when should I hope to see an ovulation?


Here's a pic of my dreamy lemon pastel gentleman right on top of my normal girl:

[frankykeno]

I'd suggest you have a good read over some of the links on Adam's site. He's got a lot of good common sense experienced advice to share there.

http://www.8ballpythons.com/journal.htm

[muddoc]

what do I do from now on to promote success?

This question brings to light the inherent problem with breeding Ball Pythons (or any animal for that matter). There is nothing you can do. If the female doesn't feel comfortable laying eggs, then she won't. All we can do is breed the animals, provide the best setting possible and keep them healthy. They are in charge of the rest.

[JD Constriction]

Another great place to look for info (with pics) is:
http://www.ballpython.ca/gallery/breeding.html

Tracking sheds and palpating for folicles (if you want to get your hands dirty ) can really help determine where your females are at.

[West Coast Jungle]

I think Tim hits on a very good point. There are many variables involved. let's face it everytime humans copulate we don't have pregnancies.

For one females need to be in their correct cycle for it to take. Also 1 copulation is far from guarranteed. It seems you are doing everything correct. I always believe in back up snakes. Some people get 1 male and 1 female and think they are set. it only takes one of them to have a fertility issue or not have good breeding response and the project is dead in the water.

Patience is also a must when dealing with these animals, I find they do things when they are ready not their owners.

Best of luck, both your snakes are real beauties

[ADEE]

Another great place to look for info (with pics) is:
http://www.ballpython.ca/gallery/breeding.html

That is an AWESOME link, full of info!! I favorite marked that one for sure!!!

[RogueStar]

Thanks for the advice, I'll watch the female closely and hope for the best.

Out of my 3 males only the lemon one has been active in copulating with this female, the others have shown little intrest towards my females. Well, at least I have hopes for some lemon babies. If not this year, maybe next.

I've gazed at the pix at www.ballpython.ca gallery but I don't feel confident in being able to recognize the building or glowing when or if I see it, maybe I'll even miss the ovulation.

Does the female's weight change during the period before laying?

[JD Constriction]

I personally don't see a weight change during the "building" process. They remain the same weight just look different. After they lay they of course lose about 1/3 of their bodyweight. Unlike humans they don't get bigger as they get farther along the reproduction process, they just use the weight they currently have

The "glow" is almost unmistakeable. Alot of times they look almost like a hypo in the head and neck area.

Keep an eye out and best of luck!