Multiple Locks?

Why do you want the breeding male and female to lock up multiple times? And how can you check for follicle growth and when do you know she's ready? What about the male, how do you know when he's ready too?

Take a look at the videos here.

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...bylka+breeding

specifically the ball python breeding series.

I'll have a go at answering some of these.

Copulation is suspected to be a good trigger for follicle growth and only unmarried humans always get pregnant on the first attempt. :P
Generally though once per shed cycle is all that you need to get things going at a good rate.

You check for follicle growth by palpating or using an ultrasound machine if you have one. When she reaches a follicle size of 35-40mm she will ovulate which is the first time you know for certain something is coming out.

Generally you will not see breeding behaviour from the male is he isn't ready - sperm plugs are also a good indication he has reached the right stage of development. Sometimes they will breed as small as 450g or so but most people report it after they get to 700g.