Ball Python Breeding Question

[mjmendoza]

Hello everyone,
I have two baby ball python about 20" each. i was wondering if it is possible for them to breed when they are young like this. i dont know i have a female and male. they are always together in the log and behind the water bowl and they do the breeding tail to tail thing. im just wondering if it is possible for them to mate when they are this small..thanks in advance

[kavmon]

the mating/breeding is possible, the female laying and surviving with eggs is another story. please take the time to read the caresheet on ball pythons on this site.



vaughn

[jglass38]

First off, Balls should be housed separately. They are solitary creatures that don't need or want friends. Second off, I would get your husbandry straight before you even think about breeding.

[SnakesvsRodents]

I never breed snakes before but from what ive read around here a 20" bp might be to small to even consider breeding, she is still too young. Read around for proper breeding and seperate the two into seperat enclosers meanwhile.I have a 20"bp and he is no older than 4 months which is why i think they are too young. Normally from what i heard bp are breed after like 2-3 yrs but i could be wrong.

[tigerlily]

Please consider separating those two. There is no benefit for the snakes, by housing them together. There are several considerable reason against it. As mentioned previously they are not social, and housing them together causes considerable stress. You are witnessing a show of dominance, not cute cuddling attempts at breeding. There is also evidence of cannabilism in bps. Not to mention the transmission of parasites and illnesses.

As for breeding, it is recommended that they bet around 2-3 years old and about 500g per foot (and 1500g being a minumum weight) Even in the best of conditions, there are inherent risks to breeding. Attempting before the snakes are mature enough is not worth the health of the animals.

If you have any specific questions please ask.