Strange behaviour/gravid? ball python

Wow! Bogertophis gave quite a bit of valuable tips. Simply, I would consider raising both the cool side temperature and the warm side temperature to start. 85F is a bit low for the warm side temp in ball python comfort zones. You sound like most other areas of the husbandry is pretty good so congrats. The temps and humidity are factors that will affect the reptiles establishment and behavior for sure. So consider that firstly. Once a ball python lays eggs and those eggs are removed for artificial incubation, the scent of the eggs needs to be removed . Otherwise, the animal will remain “ off feeding”. The python should be wiped down and rinsed off with a safe soap like a Dawn dishwashing soap. They can be allowed to soak also and rinsed off with clear, clean water. The environment, tub and contents should be washed and rinsed thoroughly as well. Once dried off and the scent of the eggs is removed the quicker the animal will get back on food. Usually, but not always.

Yep, that’s a pretty big girl right there. Looks healthy also. Congratulations.

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Wow! Bogertophis gave quite a bit of valuable tips. Simply, I would consider raising both the cool side temperature and the warm side temperature to start. 85F is a bit low for the warm side temp in ball python comfort zones. You sound like most other areas of the husbandry is pretty good so congrats. The temps and humidity are factors that will affect the reptiles establishment and behavior for sure. So consider that firstly. Once a ball python lays eggs and those eggs are removed for artificial incubation, the scent of the eggs needs to be removed . Otherwise, the animal will remain “ off feeding”. The python should be wiped down and rinsed off with a safe soap like a Dawn dishwashing soap. They can be allowed to soak also and rinsed off with clear, clean water. The environment, tub and contents should be washed and rinsed thoroughly as well. Once dried off and the scent of the eggs is removed the quicker the animal will get back on food. Usually, but not always.

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Thank you!
I just checked and her warm side is between 31-32c. I turned up her cold side to 28c.
I had said the last two days she was staying under her cold side. Well I just went in to put in the new bedding and she's very active. It's 1pm where I am. She is specifically trying to go up.. should I bump up higher than 28for cold side??
She seems thin.. I wouldn't say there looks like there are eggs in her. Ugh what the heck is going on??
I want to take her out and see but don't want to mess with her

Omg.omg.omg there is an egg! I can see it under her hide!

She layed 8! I'll post pictures when I can. I'm just tending to momma and washing her at the moment. The good news she seems totally empty. No eggs bound. She's so thin 😓

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Originally Posted by Shmalex

She layed 8! I'll post pictures when I can. I'm just tending to momma and washing her at the moment. The good news she seems totally empty. No eggs bound. She's so thin 😓

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Wow, that was FAST! Congratulations to you and your snake! :D

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Originally Posted by Shmalex

She layed 8! I'll post pictures when I can. I'm just tending to momma and washing her at the moment. The good news she seems totally empty. No eggs bound. She's so thin 😓

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Damn! Girl's making up for lost time. Maybe next year she'll make it an even dozen.

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Originally Posted by Shmalex

Thank you!
I just checked and her warm side is between 31-32c. I turned up her cold side to 28c.
I had said the last two days she was staying under her cold side. Well I just went in to put in the new bedding and she's very active. It's 1pm where I am. She is specifically trying to go up.. should I bump up higher than 28for cold side??
She seems thin.. I wouldn't say there looks like there are eggs in her. Ugh what the heck is going on??
I want to take her out and see but don't want to mess with her

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28C is a good cool side area. Nice job and congratulations. Lol.

Gosh I hope not.. haha all I care about is the health of my girl. She's so thin now and lots of loose skin. Seems like she'll make this a yearly occurrence. I'm wildly relieved that no eggs are stuck though

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

28C is a good cool side area. Nice job and congratulations. Lol.

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Thanks for the advice! She's all bathed and I did a total clean of her tank. She's restless but otherwise back to herself ☺️ I'll offer food tonight or tomorrow