Right on time

Today is day 30 POS for my first girl to ovulate this year. Sure enough, she was coiled on top of 6 big perfect eggs when I opened her tub today. She was bred to my spider. I am a little behind this year, but it looks like most of my females are finally getting ready to ovulate. I'm kind of glad they are dragging, because I'm still hoping to see a lock or two with my bee this year.

45 days ago
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...00d762c184.jpg

today
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...4e1a3a33b0.jpg

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...9bedc0f9e1.jpg

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...b3914eb0a6.jpg

Yes, that is a substrate-less egg box using wet cypress mulch.

That's awesome!! Can't wait to see some little spidey heads poking out of those :D

Congrats! I hoped to see baby Spiders this year, but I'm not sure my girl will go. She has shown many signs, but she is still feeding so we'll see.

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Originally Posted by MuzeBallPythons

Congrats! I hoped to see baby Spiders this year, but I'm not sure my girl will go. She has shown many signs, but she is still feeding so we'll see.

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This girl was feeding strong until about 3 weeks ago, so don't give up yet. How big are her follicles? Are you still pairing?

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Originally Posted by PythonWallace

Yes, that is a substrate-less egg box using wet cypress mulch.

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Have you done this before or known anyone who has? It sounds like it should work just fine, especially since the cypress has those anti-yucky stuff properties.

Congrats on the eggs!

congrats!!

and let us know how that cypress works out!!

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Originally Posted by kc261

Have you done this before or known anyone who has? It sounds like it should work just fine, especially since the cypress has those anti-yucky stuff properties.

Congrats on the eggs!

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No, I just don't have any local access to vermiculite, or perlite that doesn't contain Miracle Grow fertilizer, so I just used a handful of the mulch. I like experimenting with incubation methods, and I've successfully done substrate-less with leopard geckos, and I've used rockwool for substrate and substrate-less incubation without issues. As long as I don't start seeing mold or fungus, and I used enough water, I don't foresee any problems.

I'd be confident using just about anything that can absorb water for substrate-less incubation, as long as it isn't extremely perishable. I think I'll be trying a few other substrates this year, so I'll definitely make a post with the outcomes after the season is over.

Congrats Jake, thats a beauty of a girl. I'm sure she'll make some gorgeous spiders but I think she would have made some amazing mojos too :)

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Originally Posted by PythonWallace

This girl was feeding strong until about 3 weeks ago, so don't give up yet. How big are her follicles? Are you still pairing?

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Gotta be honest, I have no idea how to palpate for follicles. She looks way bigger and she's been lying inverted every once in a while.

I stopped pairing everyone end of April (just to be methodical & because all the other girls stopped feeding, got huge, etc.). But the thought has occurred to me to pair her up a few more times to be on the safe side...I just might do that. I really wanted a Mojave Spider (or Spider Mojave).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MuzeBallPythons

Gotta be honest, I have no idea how to palpate for follicles. She looks way bigger and she's been lying inverted every once in a while.

I stopped pairing everyone end of April (just to be methodical & because all the other girls stopped feeding, got huge, etc.). But the thought has occurred to me to pair her up a few more times to be on the safe side...I just might do that. I really wanted a Mojave Spider (or Spider Mojave).

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It sounds promising. There's a good chance she will go if you've already witnessed some locks, but pair her up again just to make sure, and I'll bet you see an ovulation soon enough. I'm still pairing several females that are a little behind last year.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MuzeBallPythons

Gotta be honest, I have no idea how to palpate for follicles. She looks way bigger and she's been lying inverted every once in a while.

I stopped pairing everyone end of April (just to be methodical & because all the other girls stopped feeding, got huge, etc.). But the thought has occurred to me to pair her up a few more times to be on the safe side...I just might do that. I really wanted a Mojave Spider (or Spider Mojave).

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Ralph Davis has some great videos on palpating. Once you feel them for the first time, it's hard to mistake. They are like a string of pearls when small, and you will feel them get larger and larger over a period of time. ;)

Congrats! I hope to get my first clutch the end of this week. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PythonWallace

It sounds promising. There's a good chance she will go if you've already witnessed some locks, but pair her up again just to make sure, and I'll bet you see an ovulation soon enough. I'm still pairing several females that are a little behind last year.

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I witnessed quite a few locks, but I don't think it would hurt to pair her up again so I really think I will. Thanks for the push...lol.

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

Ralph Davis has some great videos on palpating. Once you feel them for the first time, it's hard to mistake. They are like a string of pearls when small, and you will feel them get larger and larger over a period of time. ;)

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I'm going to have to check them out & practice because I have no clue. That & probing. I was taught how to do it but I am terrified of hurting them.

Thanks!

we attempted the same pairing this year.,, not noticed any success yet tho..
would love to see a few royals popping out of their eggs.. give it time

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Originally Posted by Spaniard

Congrats Jake, thats a beauty of a girl. I'm sure she'll make some gorgeous spiders but I think she would have made some amazing mojos too :)

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She should make some killer mojaves. I'm waiting until next year to breed my hold back male, but this girl is already scheduled to be his second girlfriend in 2010.

This girl will be his #1. I bought her from Steve Jordanides specifically to pair with my mojo next year.

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...537edbe3da.jpg

Here's the lucky young man
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...48d7e43c70.jpg

And he will definitely have at least one hot pastel girl all to himself, too. I can't wait until I hatch a pastave with the killer breeders I have. It's one of my favorite combos, just before Enchi mojaves. I'm expecting to hatch nothing less than the best looking pastaves out there.