first definate locks. now what?

[Mike Cavanaugh]

Ok, got my first 100% certain locks out of two of my pairs today. Question is, now what? Do I keep offering those females food, or do I just stop feeding them? Do I keep a normal rotation going with the males but reduce the frequency to just once or twice a month? (have been doing 4 days in, 3 days out)

How exactly do I know when to stop putting the males in? I have been pairing since October, but until today have not seen any locks with my own eyes. One of the females in question seems to be getting VERY fat, but having never bred before I don't know if I am seeing eggs in her, or if she is just fat (have only had her about 6 months and she has been gaining weight the whole time.)

Please, I want so bad not to screw this up! step by step directions at this point would be priceless!

When they put on weight as the eggs grow, what does it look like? Do they get fat from head to tale or just in the middle or what?


Mike

[MDPythons]

Just keep pairing them up. My females have been locking up since early October and they are still taking food. I offer it to them, if they eat they eat, if not I take it out...but they haven't refused yet.

You could always palpate to check when it's time for eggs. Make sure you have your incubator ready when it's time though.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Until you are positive that your female is gravid, keep pairing and keep offering food.

One of the females in question seems to be getting VERY fat, but having never bred before I don't know if I am seeing eggs in her, or if she is just fat

Did you palpate your female, did you witness any developping behavior (seeking the cool side, glow, lumping), did you witness an ovulation?

Once your females become gravid (if you have done your research) you will know it (the signs are unmistakable) and will be able to determine when egg will be laid.

This should help you

http://www.ballpython.ca/gallery/breeding.html

http://www.ralphdavisreptiles.com/ma.../palpating.asp