How long to pair?

[Paddy]

Trying to breed for the first time.
I have hides in my enclosures.

The first night the introduced male shared the hide with the female... I didn't want to disturb so hopeful there was a lock but can't be sure.
Tonight would be the third night they are together, should I take him out tomorrow?

I don't want to wear/stress them out!

Also should I pair them a few more time over the next month or two?

Thanks!

[trnreptiles]

I would remove any hides so it’s easier for you to see a visual lock if any, as well as observe any courting behavior (female tail wagging/scenting, male pressing his body up against the female)

As for time periods, 2-3 days on, 3 days off usually works best unless a lock is observed before the end of that period.

I personally try to get a lock on my female ball pythons once a month, as that’s all it took for my clutches this season.
You can pair them more often if you’d like, for example every other two weeks. It depends on what works for you and if you’re pairing the male to more than one female or not.
Either way, make sure your male either stays on food, or if he goes off of food he maintains a healthy body condition and doesn’t lose too much weight. You can breed a male to death so do be observant!


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[Paddy]

Thanks for the replies.
Witnessed my first lock today... a good sign

[ichibaja]

The schedule ive followed the past few years has been pair tuesday, unpair Thursday, feed friday and clean Sunday. It gives a day off after feeding and ensure enclosure smells like the female before pairing. It follows the rule of feed dirty, breed dirty and lines up with my day job work schedule.