Breeding Lull

[Jay_Bunny]

It seems I've hit a breeding snag. I've got two female normals going and everything was going great. Both were locking up and Akina had great follicle growth. Her follicles got to the size of golf balls.

Akina went into a shed cycle 2 weeks after her last one. She is no longer locking up with either of the males and she is still eating 1 small rat every 7-10 days. She is 1800g.

Sadis has also stopped locking up with the males. She is also eating 1 small rat every 7-10 days. She is 1500g. I cannot feel any follicles in her yet.

I have 2 other females. One is a normal who is sitting at 1100g and is only eating once every 2-3 weeks right now, though I'm hoping to try feeding her live since she took a live rat pup the last time she refused f/t.

The other female is a pinstripe. She is only 950g so she still has a bit to go before she is ready.

Should I just continue to introduce males to the first two girls? When do I stop introducing and call it quits for the season?

[m0esgirl]

personally, i would just keep throwing the males in until you see an ovulation, or they refuse them. someone more knowledgeable will jump in, but that is what i would do.

[Jay_Bunny]

I checked on Akina again today. I palpated her and felt no follicles. Now I'm wondering if she absorbed them and is not going to go this season. I won't be too bummed if she doesn't but I was hoping to produce a clutch or two of ball pythons this season. I put a male in with her since it might rain today and tomorrow.

[Jay_Bunny]

Just as some general info on her...

Last 5 feedings:
4/22
4/14
4/08
3/22
3/13

Last Sheds:
4/24
3/31
1/16
11/30

Last Documented Lock:
3/04

She could have locked after that and I didn't write it down but I have not seen a lock at all for the month of April. She doesn't look gravid and others have said she doesn't look gravid, but I guess I'm just wondering how long I should continue to introduce a male.

[Jay_Bunny]

Anyone?

[Jay_Bunny]

Well my pastel boy is in with Akina and his tail is wrapped around her middle, so maybe he'll make his way down south. I just put my spider in with Sadis, so we will see what happens with that.