Feeding breeders question

I have gotten mixed opinions on this, but in the weeks leading up to and actually breeding your ball pythons, how much do you feed them? Some say fatten them up right before and then regular feeding schedule, others say feed normally and then when you breed feed every two weeks with smaller meals. Is there an overall standpoint on this? How do you work this in with breeding? Any advise would be greatly appreciated

Prior to the weather changing, I step up feedings. I feed every 5 or so days then might throw in an extra feeding every couple of weeks. If they (the females esp.) want it I will feed them on that schedule. Once the weather cools, which in Az. could be into Nov-Dec (nights into the 60's) I start to slow the feedings. Maybe every 7-10 days. I want the seasons breeders to be able to digest their food without complications. When it starts to warm up again, I increase my feedings, especially for the females. I rarely feed anything bigger than a small anymore, unless the rat just gets bigger while I have it.

I offer multiple meals weekly in Sept/Oct/Nov same size as normal, just more often.

How long do you all wait to put your breeders back in with their mate after they eat? Do you wait until hey use the restroom, or just like two days?

During the feed up time I don't pair them, just feed them, I typically start pairing in November.
If you wait until they defecate you'll be waiting awhile.
If they need to go they'll just hold off locking up until she unloads in the tub :P

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Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

During the feed up time I don't pair them, just feed them, I typically start pairing in November.
If you wait until they defecate you'll be waiting awhile.
If they need to go they'll just hold off locking up until she unloads in the tub :P

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Thankfully I have yet to experience this -knocks on wood- most of my girls are relatively clean. Very little scenting.

Prior to pairing (about 2 to 3 months before) I put the females on a heavier schedule, same prey size (small/med rat) but every 5 days instead of 7.

Males are fed once a week year round (small rat weekly)

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How long do you all wait to put your breeders back in with their mate after they eat? Do you wait until hey use the restroom, or just like two days?

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All my males get at least 2 days break every six days during which they are being fed and rested.

It is as followed, Male goes in with female 1 for 2 days, followed by 2 days with female 2, followed by 2 days with female 3, then it's 2 days break and back in rotation.

Obviously females get a lot more time off , also depending on how many females are lined-up for one male off time maybe a lot longer for the male as well.

I continue feeding weekly until they stop feeding. I pair animals 2 days after feeding for 2-3 days. If I have an eager male, he male go a couple of weeks without a meal unless they just stop feeding all together.