Welcome to an addiction. To answer your questions, there's a lot of different opinions and practices. I'll share what works best for me.

1. I figure out my pairing plans well in advance. It always seems to change. I put my males in on Sunday and pull them out Wednesday. Earlier if I observe a lock and then separation. I then offer meals.

2. I personally incubate. We have too much variation in temp and poor humidity here for maternal incubation.

3. I personally wait for 3 years old and 1800 grams. I tend to get really nice clutch numbers and big healthy babies as a result of waiting. Although many people do well with females of 1500 grams range. Personal preference here.

4. WOBP as shown by Mr. Misha is great to see animals, genetic wizard, articles etc.

5. I have a rack system. My adult males are in 32 qt tubs and the females are in 41qt.

6. My snake room is in the garage and naturally cools. I do not try to drop temps. I sometimes need to heat the room slightly on really cold nights.

7. I start my breeding season on November 1. I typically pair animals until March or so. I usually start seeing less activity in the breeding sense by then.

8. Depends on what you like there. Again personal preference comes into play.

9.From what I've gathered. Basically 2 people found snakes that look nearly the same. one called it lesser and the other a butter. That's my understanding at least.

10. Ask questions. Talk to breeders. Don't sacrifice quality for quantity. Great deals are the ones that work for you and your project goals. Always put the animals health and well being before anything else. Make sure it remains fun.

Good luck, again these are what works for me. I hope it helps.

Mike
Porter's Pythons