Question for the ones breeding

[Joe Massey]

hi guys,

does handling your female BP's during breeding season i a way affect follicle building, egg production or anything else?

is it true that handling your female BP's while she is building might be the reason you get no eggs for during the breeding season?

[f22raptor95]

I've heard that it is best not to handle the female during breeding season

[h00blah]

I generally don't unless I'm going to do a thorough cleaning. They get VERY messy when breeding.... The worst is when they smear ....

I just imagine it's uncomfortable for them, and causes unnecessary stress.

[chrisv]

I generally don't unless I'm going to do a thorough cleaning. They get VERY messy when breeding.... The worst is when they smear ....

I just imagine it's uncomfortable for them, and causes unnecessary stress.

smearing in fecal matter? is this a common behavior among gravid females? can you elaborate? when/why?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

It's really best if you minimize handling and do so when absolutely necessary, maintenance for example.

[Joe Massey]

what about palpating? ive read somewhere that some breeders palpate to see the progression of the follicles..

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

Minimize handling to only when cleaning. Be very gently in handling..... two hands, good support. I only palpate when placing them back in their tubs after cleaning.

The cleaning does subside as your females go off feed, but I have some females that will eat right up to within a few weeks of ovulation.

[h00blah]

smearing in fecal matter? is this a common behavior among gravid females? can you elaborate? when/why?

Eh, I think having 2 snakes in a tub makes it easier for that stuff to smear, especially when they're cruising around courting.

Why? Because they're evil ...

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

Gravid is different than breeding or building......

A building female may still be eating, and when paired they seem to "evacuate" before the act of breeding begins.

Gravid females have likely not eaten for a month or two and are less likely to make a mess in the tub.