Advice to someone considering dipping into breeding

I am looking into possibly getting a breeding pair. Any advice either way for someone who is looking to give breeding a shot.

I am not doing it for the money. I love the snakes and all the difference out there and frankly would love to have every one as I am sure every one here does. I would just like to raise some combinations up instead of shelling out big bucks for all the morphs.

Mechanically inclined and can build anything.
Expense - not a problem.

Breeding experience ZERO

Read. Everything.

WATCH a lot of youtube videos and take bits a piece from everyone one to come up with what works best for you

Hey, that's the same boat we were in. We wanted to try breeding because it would be fun.

Now, about a year later, we have over 20 ball pythons and we have invested a lot more money than we thought we would.

I would recommend that you do some serious planning as to how much everything will cost. Figure out what makes sense for you. Think about electric bills, thermostats, bedding, hides, vet bills...it can add up.

But, I can tell you I have had no regrets! It's such a life-changing hobby, and trust me...seeing your first clutch of eggs makes it all seem magical.

Definitely read A LOT!!!! Watch videos, read some more, watch some more, etc.

I'd suggest, too, to take some time to really research what it is you would like to make. Research the different options of making that combo you'd like to make.

Start building your patience! 3-6 months of pairing/building; 1-1/2 months of waiting for eggs after ovulation; 2 months of waiting for hatching; and the longest wait of all is after they've pipped, they take FOREVER (24-ish hours) to come out of their eggs (lol)!

Breeding ball pythons is not rocket science. There are many opinions of things you should do. Realize that there is a lot of conflicting information and opinion of what supposedly "must" be done, but many successful breeders don't necessarily follow all of those opinions. I don't bother to worry about a cooling period to get the females in the mood, or whatever it's supposed to do, for one example.

Best of all, welcome to a great, expensive hobby, and make sure you're enjoying it!

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Originally Posted by Elusive Dream

I am looking into possibly getting a breeding pair. Any advice either way for someone who is looking to give breeding a shot.

I am not doing it for the money. I love the snakes and all the difference out there and frankly would love to have every one as I am sure every one here does. I would just like to raise some combinations up instead of shelling out big bucks for all the morphs.

Mechanically inclined and can build anything.
Expense - not a problem.

Breeding experience ZERO

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1). Read/watch everything.

Before I began pairing I read just about every thread on this website that I could.

Some good links:
http://www.ballpython.ca/gallery/breeding.html
http://www.worldofballpythons.com/py...gius/breeding/

BHB has some videos up as well that I'd recommend checking out.

2). Have the right equipment.

Incubator
Hatchling rack (6qt)
Baby rack (12qt)
Male rack (28qt)
Female rack (41qt)
Thermostats

Etc...

3). Be financially prepared.

Be aware that there is a possibility that you will be looking after babies for months. It's unlikely they'll all sell right away so be sure you can look after extra hatchlings.

4). Get females.

Right now, I wouldn't bother getting males. You're wanting to breed, so go pick up some females. It can take them quite awhile before they're ready to breed, whereas males are generally ready at even 300g!

Figure out the project you really want to work on, and concentrate on THAT. Even if you stick to just that project, you'll somehow find yourself spending much more on money on many more animals than you intended. But it'll help.

And budget how much you're willing to spend this year, and next year, and the next year. Make a plan. Stick to it. No impulse purchases, particularly if they're not on the plan. (Unless you have enough money to set aside an Impulse Purchase Savings Account)

You also have to consider the down side to breeding it's not all glitz. Sometimes things go wrong with hatchlings and you should be prepared for these emergencies like wrapped umbilicus etc. There can be deformities which require euthanization , you need to ask yourself if you can do that, because some cant. One thing I see a lot is typically newer people starting out will end up obtaining quite a few ball pythons and then their budget is over run.

read others post. many questions you have or should ask is already on here. plus you will learn things you may never of thought of asking.

go to reptile shows. when most breeders aren't busy, they will talk all day about their hobby. you can get great info this way. one thing to remember, everyone doesn't do things the same way. some ways are better for one but might not work as well for another. so if you hear about doing something one way and then another way. don't get confused, neither may be wrong. you just need to ask more questions to help decide which method might be best for you. the more you know before hand, the smoother things should go. good luck don

Dip slowly! LOL

It's a great hobby!

All of your answers are on this forum!

Invest in a nice female or 2.

Get your male/s next year.