No Locks - Next Steps?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I don't want this to come across the wrong way (and I appreciate your experience greatly), but I have no idea why I'm getting the "...you should have multiple females and multiple males so you do not gamble everything on a specific pair" advice. I am fully aware of that, and besides - I'm not gambling anything. It's fun!

In my small collection, I only have 4 males (1 under-sized, another not in rotation) and 12 females (over half are under-sized). This male was a spectacular unexpected pickup over the summer, and because of that I only have one female (Enchi) ready for this guy (Pastel Clown) at this time.

For my other pairing last week (Enchi Fire YB x Proven Normal), I got to see my first lock ever! That guy's got a comparatively full slate lined up, so I'm thrilled that he took right to it.

Seem like reading something into what I posted that is not there

I can tell you from experience that because you see locks with other animals means NOTHING, I have a male I have NEVER witness locking with any female, yet he has sired many clutches.

I will say it again it is EARLY, PATIENCE use the method I mentioned and if it happen it does and if it does not there is always next season.

....anyway good luck with your project

One thing that I heard about to try is to put two or three males in together for about 10 minutes to let them acknowledge each other and they should see each other as threats so they are more inclined to be the alpha and sire more clutches

Heard? Yep and do you know what often happens to the defeated male, especially if young and inexperienced? Well the defeated male does not do, male fight often make it worth there are other methods which I already mentioned that are by far more efficient and reliable.

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

After a seemingly unsuccessful pairing, meaning 3 days together and no observed locks, would anyone recommend repeating the same paring the following week? He didn't lose any weight and took a meal afterwards. As of right now, I don't have another female planned for this particular male, so it's not like he's got somewhere else to be. Thanks for your insight in advance!

Best regards,
Eric

Told you this before....

Pop his penes when you unpair him. If he locked, one pene will be larger, more red and not have a sperm plug. The pene he did not use will likely still have a sperm plug.

[TheSnakeEye]

There are a few factors to consider before thinking of trying different tips and tricks. But before that, are they proven breeders? I think someone asked and you said they are first time breeders with each other, which doesn't tell us if they are proven or not.

If one or both of them have never had a clutch, them have some patience. One of them may not be ready. I had a Pastel Banana one time that was not interested in any females whatsoever. A few days after his last pairing (and no lock) he went into shed. A week after he shed, he became a breeding machine. Usually it's all about timing.

But if they are proven breeders, still no big deal. Males will usually breed no matter time of the year it is. Females are the ones who have to be in the mood, just like in us humans . She may just not be ready yet. I'd wait a couple weeks and then maybe try again. So as to not add more stress than necessary to either one of them. So let's just say that by chance, next week they are both ready, holding off another week or two to pair isn't going to ruin your season. The whole process is a lengthy one. Give them a couple weeks, feed em, put some weight on them and try again.

[Eric Alan]

Told you this before....

You did? Did I miss it somehow?

[Eric Alan]

Seem like reading something into what I posted that is not there ....anyway good luck with your project

Thanks! Yeah - I'm sure that's most likely the case. As much as I love the forums, when it comes down to it we're all just words on a screen without much context.

[Eric Alan]

There are a few factors to consider before thinking of trying different tips and tricks. But before that, are they proven breeders? I think someone asked and you said they are first time breeders with each other, which doesn't tell us if they are proven or not.

If one or both of them have never had a clutch, them have some patience. One of them may not be ready. I had a Pastel Banana one time that was not interested in any females whatsoever. A few days after his last pairing (and no lock) he went into shed. A week after he shed, he became a breeding machine. Usually it's all about timing.

But if they are proven breeders, still no big deal. Males will usually breed no matter time of the year it is. Females are the ones who have to be in the mood, just like in us humans . She may just not be ready yet. I'd wait a couple weeks and then maybe try again. So as to not add more stress than necessary to either one of them. So let's just say that by chance, next week they are both ready, holding off another week or two to pair isn't going to ruin your season. The whole process is a lengthy one. Give them a couple weeks, feed em, put some weight on them and try again.

They are both first-timers. I'll probably hold off this week for these two and try again later on. Thanks!

[Dave Green]

As others have said it's still early, especially here in the Phoenix area. It's just starting to get cool here while other parts of the country have been cold for weeks if not longer. After seeing the weather that some parts of the country are having this may not go over well, but I was wearing shorts yesterday and my heat kicked on for the first time this morning. I've been pairing since November 1st and I've only seen two locks after many pairings. Just be patient and you'll have locks before you know it. When I was in NJ my snakes were in full breeding mode by now. Here in AZ I don't expect that until January or so. I pair now just to get things going.

[Eric Alan]

...I was wearing shorts yesterday...

As was I! AND I left the house wearing them at 8:00pm. This kind of weather is the reason people live in AZ. It's perfect right now!

...and my heat kicked on for the first time this morning.

Not at this house. The Midwest (South Dakota) native blood me won't let the heat kick on until the house drops below 68. You've been in AZ too long!

I've been pairing since November 1st and I've only seen two locks after many pairings. Just be patient and you'll have locks before you know it. When I was in NJ my snakes were in full breeding mode by now. Here in AZ I don't expect that until January or so. I pair now just to get things going.

Thanks. That actually makes me feel better about the 1/2 result I had for the first week.

[Viol8r]

I left my male in for a day last week. It was all looking promising until my female decided to destroy her tub with a massive bm. This week he had her pinned to the wall for 24 hours. I think they stopped so she could pee....lol

[JPR]

So it's 19 up here a few nights ago. Only going to get colder from here. Maybe I should move to AZ.