How many Breeders actually temp cycle?

I read a ton about Ball Python breeding before deciding to get into it, and every article I read from big time breeders talked about how they temp cycle to re-create the breeding season. I was surprised when I learned that all of my Ball Pythons I've bought have never been temp cycled even though they are proven and big girls. Does anyone find it essential to change their temperatures for the season? Anyone seen a difference in number of slugs?

I have always dropped the heat spot a few degrees. Start cooling in Nov. and warm back up starting around March. It works for me, but it's the only way I've done it since 2007.

I don't, but the ambient in my house drops a bit over the winter on its own so the cool side will get a degree or so cooler, 78*F versus 80*F.

Same here - ambient temps drop & we don't cool any more then that :).

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Originally Posted by bcr229

I don't, but the ambient in my house drops a bit over the winter on its own so the cool side will get a degree or so cooler, 78*F versus 80*F.

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Same here.

Ambient is now climate controlled year round (76F - 78F).

I drop females from 88F to 84F October- May and pretty much keep the males at 87.5F year round.

I do not temp cycle on purpose but my houses natural drop in ambient temp seems to force me to do it. I try and keep my room at 86 year round (I do not use hotspots) but in the winter it might drop down to 83-84 at night.

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Originally Posted by coreydelong

Ambient is now climate controlled year round (76F - 78F).

I drop females from 88F to 84F October- May and pretty much keep the males at 87.5F year round.

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You're talking about dropping your hot spots, right? Just making sure...

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Originally Posted by Eric Alan

You're talking about dropping your hot spots, right? Just making sure...

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Yep- sorry for not making that clear.

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Originally Posted by coreydelong

Yep- sorry for not making that clear.

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It was clear, but you're the first person that's mentioned dropping hot spots. The rest of the comments seem to be centered on dropping ambient. As someone who will likely be having his first breeding season this winter, I like to gather as much info as I can. Thanks!