How long do ball pythons typically breed?

[wendhend]

Okay, I am pretty new to breeding ball pythons and am curious how long you should expect a pair to stay locked when they are breeding? This pair hooked up a few days ago and stayed locked like this for about 48 hours. Is that typical? Apparently that wasn't enough, though. Today they are at it again already!

[jeffh231979]

there is no telling how long they will stay locked rule of thumb is when you first notice them unlocked pull the male out to give him some time off to rest, breeding season can be stressful on both the male and females.. hope this helps

[wendhend]

So, how long would you suggest letting the male rest? How many sessions are typically needed in order to produce a fertile clutch?

[docturgonzo]

Locks can typically last a couple of hours or as you have witnessed a couple of days.

I have noticed a few times if my male unlocks say in the morning and i havent had chance to remove him until i get back from work he will be locked up again.

The golden rules quoted usually on here are 3 days on and then 3 days off to feed and rest. If he locks right away then remove him afterwards for an extra long rest. Some people do things slightly different but usually a variation on this theme.

Just keep doing what you are doing and if they lock good on ya and hope you see some ovys and some eggs in the future

[docturgonzo]

as for how many sessions.. there is no real magic number just keep at it until he loses interest and hopefully you see an ovulation.

Some could breed 7-8 times with one male and only a ouple of times with another and have a clutch to the second male... Its all about when her body is ready to go through the cycle of follicles , ovulation ect and not how many times they lock (granted that the more locks the better though just for piece of mind)

Hope this helps