Pregnant without mating?

[MontyAndMelissa]

As far as I know, monty has never had sex. She may have been bred before I got her, but they thought she was a he, so I doubt it. Anyways, I was looking at her today, and she looks bigger than she did 3 days ago? Can she have a clutch of eggs (infertile of course)? I think it may be called egg bound?

[Lupe]

It's more likely you're going to get a big stinky present soon. Some of mine blow up like balloons before relieving themselves.

[MontyAndMelissa]

She just pooped. I mean, it's possible she needs to poop again.

[Running Elk]

All hail snake Jesus.

[MontyAndMelissa]

well, I googled it and there is a possibility of it happening in some snake species, but it didn't mention ball pythons.

[MontyAndMelissa]

Snakes can have fertile clutches of eggs even if they haven't been bred, if they haven't been bred recently they can hold the sperms for a few years.

[Lizardlicks]

The phenomena is called parthenogenesis, and has been recorded in other snake species, although it is extremely rare. I'm not aware of a for sure occurrence has ever been recorded and 100% confirmed for ball pythons, but hey you never know. Other options may be the retained sperm as previously mentioned, or she may have an extra special poop for you (yes, even if she already had a bowel movement).

If you're really suspicious of eggs, you could try to palpate her for follicles (you should easily be able to feel them at this stage if she's visibly fat) and watch for other building/ovulation behavior.

[Sauzo]

All hail snake Jesus.

Lol you beat me to it!!