Thinking of breeding...

[ididnessie]

I have been thinking of getting into breeding ball pythons. Before I start however I know I should get as much information as I can. So, what I was wondering is do you guys know any good places (books, videos, people to talk to, ect...) to get some information on it. I am thinking that I want to breed my male spider to something once he reaches the correct size to breed. Any ideas on what pairs nice with a spider and can lead to future breeding projects.

Or would I be better off buying two adult breeders (something other then spider)?
Also if I where going to get into breeding when would be the best time to start(what time of year)?

Honestly any help and any information that you guys think would be helpful I am willing to take and would be grateful for!

[Kinra]

Markus Jayne has a great page on breeding that explains how they do things. I used this as a reference last season and successfully hatched a clutch of 5 eggs.

http://www.ballpython.ca/gallery/breeding.html

Males can breed much sooner than females so getting two adults would let you breed sooner, but if you get a morph girl and raise her up you could produce a combo. There are lots of things you can pair a spider with, mine will probably be going to my butter this year and maybe my lemon pastel.

[Don]

For starters, hang out here and read as much as you can. See what is working for people and what is not. Save lots of money, because start up can be expensive. Be sure to also plan on good racks, thermostats, etc. It isn't just the cost of the snakes, but their housing and upkeep. Make sure you have the time to devote to cleaning, breeding and care. Most of all, learn patience. Without that, you will get no where fast.

[ididnessie]

I know have been lurking on this site for awhile now but never really being an active member until lately. As much as I want to begin breeding asap I am coming to notice (thanks to this site) that rather then going out and buy some expensive adult snakes now to breed I should probably save my money and buy some quality equipment so I can make sure everything goes smoothly and that I have the knowledge. Where are some places to get the things needed?

[CeeJay]

I got this DVD. Its pretty good.

http://www.ballbreeding.com/index.html