Getting frustrated

[crbballs]

So I have 2 female normals that are well over breeding weight andage and I have been tring 2 get them to breed for awhile now but with no success. I have tried 3 different males with each of them. Now I'm wondering if it's the males or the females or maybe they are not happy or something. Plz help I want the eggs. Lol. Anything to help would be appreciated

[mpkeelee]

just put all of them in a big pile overnight and check them in the morning, they will make their choice.

no im just kidding, good luck with the eggs!!

[WingedWolfPsion]

Well, how old are they, and how much DO they weigh?
They should be at least 1500 grams.

Have you done anything to cycle them (and the males) for breeding? (IE, any light or temp adjustments, etc).
When have you started breeding attempts?

In most cases, ball pythons will breed November through April, sometimes even into May. This probably has to do with autumn storms being followed by an extended dry period, and then spring storms initiate egg laying.

I use natural light through the windows. I used to cool, but I didn't cool this year, and my results are just as good.

If you're trying to breed them out of season, that could be why they're not going. At this point, while I do have a couple of females still locking with a male, most of my females are done with the males, and are gravid and preparing to lay eggs soon--some have reabsorbed follicles and are refusing the males, and will probably start eating again soon.
Breeding season is almost over.

[crbballs]

One female is 2500 grams at 3 years old. And other is 2000 at 3 years old. I've been tryin to breed them since December and I do the natural light cycle and tried the temp drop and that didn't work then changed it up and tried it with heat but still no luck. This is where the title of my post comes in. All the males are 08's and producing sperm plugs. Lol I'm so lost on what to try next season. I kno the season is over I've done a lot of reading and research.

[WingedWolfPsion]

A few tricks--next time it's warm and there's a storm, crack open the windows and put the males with the females. Sometimes changes in barometric pressure and humidity will get them going.

Next time a female sheds, leave the shed in with her, and put the male in immediately. A freshly shed female has more scent, and this often inspires the males to get to work.

Also, unless they're all eating, don't assume you're having no luck. Sometimes you just don't catch them at it.

[tonkatoyman]

The males may be '08 but if this is their first time it may take a while for them to figure out what to do. Be patient and keep pairing them.

[crbballs]

Ok I will try that this season thanks for the help.

[Matt K]

I don't have a lot of experience (this is my first season), so I don't know how valid this is--but my females both seem to be the most receptive the day after a meal. I have one female who won't lock up at all under normal circumstances, but 18-24 hours after a meal she locks up willingly. Hope this helps some.

**Edit** This may not be all that helpful if your females are off feed for the breeding season. Mine have still been taking live mice through this past month or so of breeding. I have a pair locked up right now that are nearing a 20+ hour lock, and if my other locks are of any indication, I expect them both to eat in a few days. I know this isn't super common though.

Cheers,
-Matt

[dturner100]

This goes without saying but of course make sure the sex of your animals is correct.

Other than that it sounds like your females didn't get far into the follicular development. A male ball python can smell a developing female, and he's sexually mature it'll drive him crazy.

This might just be how it is with my males, but try this. Open the tub of your biggest female. Within seconds your mature males should be nose rubbing the front of their tubs. I've got about 20 mature breeder males, and there isn't one that doesn't hit the front of the tub when a developing females tub is opened.

Anyway the first boy that hits the front of the tub wins. Of course if there's no response on the males part it means you may have missed your season.