How many female ball pythons can one male ball python handle in the breeding season w/o it being unhealthy to the male.
01-16-2012, 06:48 PM
Inknsteel
I've heard of people breeding a male to up to 4 or 5 different females. The key is to make sure he has a few days rest between pairings to eat and regain strength...
01-16-2012, 07:17 PM
Domepiece
Re: Breeding Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by perfectpythons
How many female ball pythons can one male ball python handle in the breeding season w/o it being unhealthy to the male.
Ive been breeding 3 females per male. They are handling it just fine, I imagine they could breed many and Im sure they would like to but I feel good doing it this way. Also like inknsteel pointed out as long as they can get some rest and are still eating they should be fine.
01-16-2012, 07:42 PM
dr del
Re: Breeding Question
Hi,
It depends on the age and condition of the male and how he fares over the breeding period.
You need to keep a carefull eye on him and keep track of his weight and condition and remember to check around his vent when inspecting him.
Some males will also stop feeding during breeding so take that into account when deciding whether or not to try small or underweight males.
dr del
01-17-2012, 10:08 AM
MrBig
I have a 1300 gram Fire male that has 6 girls this year, have him on a 4 days on 3 days off routine and give him 7 days off once he completes a rotation. If there is no interest after 2 days, then he moves on. I've found that the longer break turns him into a breeding machine, and as time goes on his interest starts to wane. He has also gained almost 200 grams over the breeding season, so with his older age, larger size and the fact that he is pounding food like he is building follicles; I have no issue keeping him in rotation with 6 females, but this is with careful oversight and monitering his behavior and condition. I do NOT reccommend that someone try this with a less mature, smaller male. My smaller yearling males have 1 pairing each and they are in the 600 gram range.
01-17-2012, 06:04 PM
Domepiece
Re: Breeding Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by dr del
hi,
it depends on the age and condition of the male and how he fares over the breeding period.
You need to keep a carefull eye on him and keep track of his weight and condition and remember to check around his vent when inspecting him.
Some males will also stop feeding during breeding so take that into account when deciding whether or not to try small or underweight males.
