When will they lay eggs? Can it be controlled?

How can the timing of egg laying be controlled? Can I spread my clutches out over the season so that I'll need fewer holding tubs? Or is it best to have more than enough tubs in case all the clutches hatch at the same time? Sure would appreciate some first hand info from experienced breeders.

You can space it out if your breeding few females. But once you get to 10+ females you will already notice females laying all over the map.

Ive had eggs this year laid from April to August. I try to have racks with enough space at all times incase. If you figure 10 females lay min 5 eggs thats 50 babies. and if all 10 laid say 10 well 100 babies. So best to have 80-100 tubs ready.

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

You can space it out if your breeding few females. But once you get to 10+ females you will already notice females laying all over the map.

Ive had eggs this year laid from April to August. I try to have racks with enough space at all times incase. If you figure 10 females lay min 5 eggs thats 50 babies. and if all 10 laid say 10 well 100 babies. So best to have 80-100 tubs ready.

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I only have three females so I thought I'd get a rack of 30 tubs. But it would be nice if I could get away with only 15. Plus, I'd rather spread out the whole selling and shipping thing. Better to have too much space than too little space though.

If you run out of space, ust stack 6qt tubs on to of rack. Keep room at 86F and your fine.

If im going to be breeding im going to make sure I have a rack set up for as many as possible. This way if I end up with more eggs than planned I have no worries.

If I hadn't built and bought more hatchling space this year I'd be in a world of hurt.
I figured an average of 5 eggs we averaged over 7 for 11 clutches, BIG difference in how many we ended up needing.
It's a good thing I can palpate really well and new well in advance that we would be needing more hatchling tubs.
I think you're best having a few extras versus too few :)

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

If you run out of space, ust stack 6qt tubs on to of rack. Keep room at 86F and your fine.

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Now that's a good idea! I wonder, instead of keeping the whole room so warm, maybe I could heat a large cage with tubs in it. I've been looking at one that's about 5' tall for only $200. Cheaper than the racks I've been looking at, and then I could stack any size tub I want in there. Maybe have a few adjustable shelves. It would look a lot better in my living room too. Laminated black on the outside, white on the inside. Just thinking....

you can build a rack for the same amount you would spend on that. and it is always better to have to many then to not have enough space incase you do have 8+ clutch that wasnt expected since they dont always have just 5 eggs it can vary from different female.