Why is there a breeding "season"?

[simplechamp]

Do BPs have a biological clock that only makes them want to breed this time of year? Why do most people breed at the end of the year?

I can understand how they breed in the wild, but in captivity we control all aspects of the environment. Shouldn't you be able to cool and induce them to breed at any time? Have clutches hatching year round? I know the females need time to recover after dropping eggs, but that's why you would cycle them and have some going while others are gaining weight again.

So what is the main reason most people breed when they do? Are there any out there who do breed year round?

[PythonWallace]

Ball pythons are bred year around in captivity, but I think the reason most people use the fall-winter as their time to introduce and breed balls i because of the natural light and temperature changes, as well as the low pressure and precipitation that goes along with these months. It seems to just make sense that if you are going to pick a certain time of year to do all your breeding, that it would be during these months. It takes less work to change the light cycles and temperatures when that is what's going on naturally. Plus, we can't do anything to change the barometric pressure in our snake rooms, so letting nature happen and doing what we can to help exagerate what's going on naturally is the easiest and most logical way to go.

[Damon Theis]

Ball pythons are bred year around in captivity, but I think the reason most people use the fall-winter as their time to introduce and breed balls i because of the natural light and temperature changes, as well as the low pressure and precipitation that goes along with these months. It seems to just make sense that if you are going to pick a certain time of year to do all your breeding, that it would be during these months. It takes less work to change the light cycles and temperatures when that is what's going on naturally. Plus, we can't do anything to change the barometric pressure in our snake rooms, so letting nature happen and doing what we can to help exagerate what's going on naturally is the easiest and most logical way to go.

Incredibly well put.

[m00kfu]

Ball pythons are bred year around in captivity, but I think the reason most people use the fall-winter as their time to introduce and breed balls i because of the natural light and temperature changes, as well as the low pressure and precipitation that goes along with these months. It seems to just make sense that if you are going to pick a certain time of year to do all your breeding, that it would be during these months. It takes less work to change the light cycles and temperatures when that is what's going on naturally. Plus, we can't do anything to change the barometric pressure in our snake rooms, so letting nature happen and doing what we can to help exagerate what's going on naturally is the easiest and most logical way to go.

There it is right there. One other thing to think about though, is having the hatchlings ready in time for the "big" shows.

[Gloryhound]

Also it is more fun to talk about breeding with other breeders who are doing the same thing as you are and looking for the same signs you are and getting the same results as you. The community goes into a mode and it is easier to get into the discussion if you are on the same page as they are!

This of course is in addition to the scientific reason PythonWallace is giving!

[waltah!]

Jake hit that one outta the park for you. On the flip side, breeding year round allows you to have babies avail when most others are all sold out.

[jglass38]

Ball pythons are bred year around in captivity, but I think the reason most people use the fall-winter as their time to introduce and breed balls i because of the natural light and temperature changes, as well as the low pressure and precipitation that goes along with these months. It seems to just make sense that if you are going to pick a certain time of year to do all your breeding, that it would be during these months. It takes less work to change the light cycles and temperatures when that is what's going on naturally. Plus, we can't do anything to change the barometric pressure in our snake rooms, so letting nature happen and doing what we can to help exagerate what's going on naturally is the easiest and most logical way to go.

Fantastic post Jake!!