Unfortunately, ball pythons do not read the books that say when and how they are supposed to breed. They do it when they are ready, not us. I do know it takes pretty much a full year from beginning of pairing until eggs pipping. Females will pair for 4 to 8 months before they decide to ovulate, and even then if something doesn't feel right to her she won't. From ovulation to laying takes a month, but it can be as long as 2 months, and from laying to pipping is another 2 months.
Most females will pair up pretty much any time of year, and temp drops are not needed. When she's been pairing for a good while, and starts putting on size, then starts refusing food it's usually a good sign. If she then moves on to refusing the male, it's a good indicator she's doing her thing and getting her eggs building.
My biggest female went through all the motions her first year with me. Right up to ovulation, then changed her mind. It happens.
Gale
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