I have a few questions

[dkarikas36]

i am new to breeding. i have a female pinstripe and a male yellow belly that are ready to breed. my first question is when is the best time to introduce them? second question is does anyone know how long they stay locked for and how long i should leave them together for?

[heathers*bps]

I start pairing my snakes up about the end of November. They can stay locked up for 24 hours, and possibly longer. When I have noticed a lock up I will remove my male after about 4-5 days, try offering food ( all my males stop eating during breeding season but I still always offer ) and give him a few days rest.

[dkarikas36]

if she goes off feed does that mean shes ready to breed?

[Kinra]

The best time to introduce them is when you have a storm front moving through. It worked wonders for me this weekend, I got my first lock.

I'm still a novice at this, so all of my information is by the book. Most recommend leaving them together for 3 days and then separating them for 3 days. If they lock before the 3 days is up take him out and give him a break. That's what I've read time and time again.

Edit:
This link might help answer some of your questions: http://ballpython.ca/gallery/breeding.html

[BALL3R]

some people drop the temps slightly for breeding others do not.. i personally didnt and have been pairing for about two weeks now its my first year breeding. people generally pair for 3-4 days on, 3-4 days off. andddd my pin has locked up with my female normal two times so far i have noticed. they can stay locked up for quite a while!!!! give it a shot and do what works best for you. seems like people always say that. good luck!!!

[dkarikas36]

should i offer food after they lock?

[Kinra]

should i offer food after they lock?

Offer food during the period where they are separated, I've been offering it on the second day they are apart.

[dkarikas36]

okay that helps.

[heathers*bps]

if she goes off feed does that mean shes ready to breed?

I've had a few girls stop eating so I'm thinking they might be ready. Seems early to me but we've had some crazy weather here. Try pairing them now, if you'd like. If you don't notice anything going on in a couple days, separate them and try again in a couple weeks. Good luck!

[Zombie]

I have a male spider that locked up 2 times already for 50+ hours each time! I also have a pastel that locked for an hour one time and 26 hours the second time. I am lucky that most of my males dont go off feed, except for one pastel that is off and on. Good luck to you!