Breeding season.

[gozetec02]

When does the breeding season start?

When should I put the male and female together?

How long should I keep them together?

What size enclosure should they be in?

Lots of questions but I will start with these?

[Marla]

People start their seasons on different schedules, but generally start putting their snakes together sometime between September and November. They then either leave the snakes together or put them together on regular intervals for approximately 4 months (again, variations among breeders). Some leave them housed together the entire time, but others prefer to take the male out every weekend or alternate a week in and a week out or similar schedule. They can share an enclosure suitable for one adult, as long the quarters aren't too cramped and hides are adequate or the entire enclosure is like a hide. You'll want to plan ahead for your light and temperature cycling as well, and may want to set up a new enclosure that you can test that on without the snakes being in it.

[gozetec02]

Thanks Marla the herp goddess.

[Marla]

LOL, you're welcome. There are a half-dozen or more breeders who read here at least occasionally and can give you input on what they do personally. My answer is a result of my research in anticipation of breeding but not as result of actual experience on my part, so definitely read whatever you can that's been written by those with direct experience.

[s6g2p]

since were talking about breeding whats the best weight for a male and female to be before they are put together

[gozetec02]

I have heard 800 Grams for a male and 1200 Grams for a female.

[Marla]

Some people will say 1500 grams for a female, but 800g does seem to be a generally accepted size for males.

[s6g2p]

how would you differ the lights have them on less ????heat at what????

[emroul]

If you are really truly serious about breeding ball pythons, I really suggest buying the Ball python breeding video with the Sutherlands. It tells you in detail everything you need to know in order to successfully breed ball pythons.

Just a thought.
Jennifer

[emroul]

Oh, and your questions (almost forgot, lol).

When does the breeding season start? When should I put the male and female together?

In captivity, you can make breeding season occur whenever you want. I would say cool down should start around October, and you could begin introducing pairs in mid-late November (remember, that's not a rule or anything. I did this and it worked well for me).

How long should I keep them together?

What I did, and worked well, was keep the male in the females enclosure for 3-5 days (depending if copulation was progressing or not) and separated them for about 5 days, offered them a meal, and put them back together for another 3-5 days. I did this until they were just not interested in eachother anymore (which took about a month of doing that introducing and separating). The female continued to eat that entire time, while the male did not. Whether or not you want to offer them food during this time is up to you. I just figure the bigger the female is the better (and she was obviously thinking the same thing, lol).

What size enclosure should they be in?

You can just put the male into the females enclosure for the breeding periods like I mentioned above; that should be fine.

Oh, and I personally will never breed a female until she hits the 2,000 gram mark (and depending on length, she may have to weigh more). I have a 2,500 gram female that laid eggs about a month ago, and after she laid I weighed her in at 1,200 grams!! I couldn't imagine breeding a 1,200 gram female. She would probably lay really small eggs in a really small clutch (not to mention that it puts so much physical strain on them to breed). That's my personal opinion.

Jennifer