When to throw in back up males ?

[black06gt]

This is my first year trying to breed ball pythons. I have 4 females that are old enough and up to size, a Pied, Het Pied, Spinner and Normal. I had planned to breed my Banana male to all 4 females but he has only locked with the Pied female once in late January and hasnt locked with any other females. I started cool down late October and started putting the Banana with the females mid November. He's just over a year old and close to 800g, he EATS !! lol. I know some males take longer than others to start breeding so my question is when should I pull him out of rotation ( mainly with the pied ) and throw in my back up males ?

I've already starting pairing a Vanilla Pastel male with the Spinner and a Reduced pattern Clown male witht the Het Pied. They both lock up within a day of being placed with the female. I was really hoping to get a Banana Het Pied but I dont think the Banana male is gonna get it done this year. Whats the lastest I should give the Banana to get things going before I pull him out of rotation and put in the Clown male ?

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions

[Alicia]

If he has already locked with the pied, I would be hesitant about throwing a recessive male to her, period. The others, what the heck. Still, mixing co-dominant snakes with a recessive alternate equals question-mark babies, and some locks go unobserved. With the female pied, you would at least know that they're het pieds, but the clown gene would be iffy until proven, making them only possible double hets.

But ya gotta go with your gut.

[black06gt]

mixing co-dominant snakes with a recessive alternate equals question-mark babies

Thats exactly what I'm worried about, not knowing if the hatchling is just a Het Pied or possible double Het.
I might be better off just using the Vanilla Paatel male as the alternative male

[Alicia]

I might be better off just using the Vanilla Paatel male as the alternative male

I'd go with that. If nothing else, that could give you good holdbacks to work with. Go ahead and continue trying the banana male, as well. It might be him not being ready, it might be the females choosing to cycle on a different schedule than intended.

[black06gt]

Ok I'll add the Vanilla Pastel in rotation with the Banana and keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks

[grcforce327]

When to throw in back up males ?

Even if you throw them in belly up,they will be back up in no time.

[thedavegraham]