Questions about starting to breed ball pythons

So I've got my normal females and a few males that are ready to breed. Just built a rack system and moved them into it. I have a few questions about how to start getting to breed. I wanted to get as much information as I can before starting. When is the best time to introduce the male to the female? is there a specific time, like after a shed or eating? I've been told to do 3 days on and 3 days off with the males in the females container. I'm brand new to this and have a few local people I know that breed ball pythons but just trying to get everyone's opinion. Thanks so much!

Take a look at the "BP Breeding FAQs" and other Stickies at the top of this forum, then do searches for any specific topics that they don't cover. If all that fails to find you what you need, ask. People on this forum are incredibly willing to help with questions, but more general questions tend to go unanswered because they've been asked so many times already. I actually just finished my first breeding season, myself. Welcome and good luck!

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Originally Posted by kdizzle

When is the best time to introduce the male to the female? is there a specific time, like after a shed or eating? I've been told to do 3 days on and 3 days off with the males in the females container.

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1. Any time a storm front moves through, pair them up...

2. See answer #1...

3. That schedule is fine...

Good luck...:gj:

I've always gone on a schedule from October to Jan I pair heavy. Then I just keep going until girls ovulate. But I'm interested in the storm schedule. I've never heard of that. Do you do this year round? Summer/ fall/ winter? Id like to eventually rotate the girls and go year round but I'm unsure of how to do this.


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

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Originally Posted by Homegrownscales

I've always gone on a schedule from October to Jan I pair heavy. Then I just keep going until girls ovulate. But I'm interested in the storm schedule. I've never heard of that. Do you do this year round? Summer/ fall/ winter? Id like to eventually rotate the girls and go year round but I'm unsure of how to do this.


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

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Like you do, I usually pair up from October until I see ovulation or come to the conclusion she just ain't gonna go...

I always have good luck getting locks during storm fronts...even from reluctant breeders...has something to do with atmospheric pressure changing...I think...

Interesting. I've got to give that a try this year. Never even came to mind. Thanks!


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

Yep, I pair mine whenever a storm or rain is coming through. I see nice long locks during those times. :)

To the OP. A 3 day on, 3 day off schedule is fine and don't worry if you vary from it a bit. I have heard that males will not breed if they are shedding, but apparently they like a shedding female or a freshly shed female. I'm not sure how much of that is true, but I do know my males will NOT breed if they are in shed. They want to look nice for the ladies. :D I begin pairing in October/November and if I'm waiting for a girl to get up to size, she might not start being paired up until much later. This past season I began pairing one girl in November, one in December, and one in mid-March. All 3 took this season. :D Good luck to you.

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Originally Posted by Jay_Bunny

Yep, I pair mine whenever a storm or rain is coming through. I see nice long locks during those times. :)

To the OP. A 3 day on, 3 day off schedule is fine and don't worry if you vary from it a bit. I have heard that males will not breed if they are shedding, but apparently they like a shedding female or a freshly shed female. I'm not sure how much of that is true, but I do know my males will NOT breed if they are in shed. They want to look nice for the ladies. :D I begin pairing in October/November and if I'm waiting for a girl to get up to size, she might not start being paired up until much later. This past season I began pairing one girl in November, one in December, and one in mid-March. All 3 took this season. :D Good luck to you.

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Ive normally started pairing and cooling in oct,november and not seeing any real action till january..I got 3 c lutches from 3 females bred but this year im gonna keep feeding til dec as long as they keep eating b4 i pair up...If they stop eating sooner ill throw males in with em...gonna let them decide when they wanna breed next season

Thanks everyone for the help. I've never heard of the storm front thing before, but I tell you what, with all the storm fronts we've had over the past week I should be pairing them up now!!

I read about people feeling for follicles (sp?) to know if there female is ready. How do you do this and how many of you do ?

I cannot wait to see my first babies come! Thanks again for everyone's help. I want to make sure my snakes now and babies in the future are healthy and happy!