New to Breeding..

[Kinra]

Another few questions that I have that I haven't seen an answer to -
From what I understand, BPs can be cannibalistic. Is it just between larger eating smaller snakes? Or can it happen between similar sized ones? All my snakes are well fed - but not overfed, so I'm hoping they aren't hungry enough to eat each other when I put them together, as currently, everyone is housed separately. I am still a little wary of putting two together for an extended period of unsupervised time (I seriously sound like an over protective mommy now).

I was extremely worried about pairing my 500g enchi with my 2500g normal too, but everything was fine. Cannibalization with ball pythons is really rare and usually only happens when they are left together all the time. They can also tell when they are with the opposite sex (or one of the same sex - males will battle some times).

ALSO - what is the average/usual amount of time you leave two together? Do you just set them together and take them apart as soon as you have seen them locked? If you don't see them lock, do you just leave them? And if so, how long?

Most recommend 3 days together 3 days apart and separate them early if they see a lock. There are other methods people use and you need to do what works best for you. The most important thing to do is monitor your males weight during breeder. Males will breed themselves to death.

AND Again - Is it common for people to "Stud" out their male/female snakes? Get new blood from other breeders without taking on a new snake (permanently)?

I'm not sure how common this is, but you need to be careful. There have been cases where breeding loans have gone really bad for people (there are also lots of cases were they worked out well). If you can find someone you trust and get a solid contract worked out then this could be an option open to you.

If you don't feel prepared enough to breed then you shouldn't. People do things differently and you need do what makes you feel comfortable. With me I read all I could and I'm doing some hands on learning during my first season. Some of the things you read may work for you, some may not. Good luck!