quick breeding questions

I read on here yesterday someone said a change is necessary to initiate breeding in ball pythons. Does this mean just to get them to copulate or to lay eggs? I have my pastel locked with 2 females numerous times and just making sure I am doing everything right. They do get a night drop and I just want to make my chances for eggs better.

I don't know if I would say that change is necessary, but it sure seems to get more consistent results, both with follicular development in females, as well as males courting and breeding. A 5 degree drop in ambient temps (not basking spot temp) both night and day, along with a shorter light cycle usually does the trick for us quite nicely. Your male sounds like he is doing his job pretty well which is a good sign, but that doesn't mean your females are developing. Have you tried palpating them? If not, I would suggest learning how. Palpating is one of the best tools in determining if a pairing is successful or not, as well as helping you plan for ovulation. I hope to see you post some pastel baby pics in the coming months!! :sunny:

-Evan

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Originally Posted by Evan Jamison

I don't know if I would say that change is necessary, but it sure seems to get more consistent results, both with follicular development in females, as well as males courting and breeding. A 5 degree drop in ambient temps (not basking spot temp) both night and day, along with a shorter light cycle usually does the trick for us quite nicely. Your male sounds like he is doing his job pretty well which is a good sign, but that doesn't mean your females are developing. Have you tried palpating them? If not, I would suggest learning how. Palpating is one of the best tools in determining if a pairing is successful or not, as well as helping you plan for ovulation. I hope to see you post some pastel baby pics in the coming months!! :sunny:

-Evan

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I am trying but not sure of what I am feeling if they are follicles at all. I may try to catch Sean from EbN or Tim Bailey and take a ride over to see.

http://www.ballpython.ca/gallery/breeding.html Hope this helps. It did for me....

I read that multiple times but still good to see. Well she is seeking the cool end, so hopefully I am making progress.

Tim, Bring her by if you get a chance. And, I have a couple that you can palpate and maybe you'll get the hang of it, you'll know for sure with these.

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Originally Posted by muddoc

Tim, Bring her by if you get a chance. And, I have a couple that you can palpate and maybe you'll get the hang of it, you'll know for sure with these.

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I may take you up on that. Just need to find time now. Will keep in touch, thanks again Tim!