Questions about future breeding

[soranotori]

Hey everyone. Judging by the (small) size of my ball pythons, the earliest I could start letting them breed would be by the end of next year. I would like to start making the plans for it already though, so I can have en estimation of what I have to spend on that and I can start saving up. It would be great of you could help me with the following questions!

- Why is it recommendable to use an incubator for the eggs instead of letting the female keep them until they hatch? What is the best way to build one?
- What kind of rack would be best for the hatchlings? Would it be best to buy or build one? If building is the best option, how should I do that?
- I read that breeding own rats is recommendable; can anyone tell me how to start doing that/can anyone refer me to a good guide or something like that?

I'm looking forward to learning about these topics!

[Slowcountry Balls]

It is recommended that you use an incubator so that it is easier to get the female to start eating again and back up to weight. It also allows you to have a more controlled/stable environment for the babies to develop under, minimizing the risks of some developmental defects.

I built my own hatchling rack using Vision tubs. I did thus because 1 V-35 short tub is the same width and height as 2 V -18 tubs or 3 V-15 tubs. This allows my rack to be really flexible as more snakes hatch, get sold, and grow.

As for breeding rats, you just have to pick a tub/rack system out and then decide how many females you will pair with your males (1 male per tub, 2 to 5 females, depending on the size of the tub). Here in the States, motar mixing tubs are very popular. I also like having smaller tubs to put the pregnant mothers in. I have found that this reduces the number of babies that die.

To build your own hatchling rack or rodent rack, look at the DIY section of this website.