I never said don't do it I said find someone to teach you how to do it. it is a skill and like any skill you need to be shown how to do it without injuring the animal. after you have seen it done and have had someone teach you how to do it by all means have at it, my comment was do not just jump in or try to watch a video as it does not replace what someone can show you in person and I would not want to see you injure your snake I would be more than happy to show anyone whom asked how to pop a snake (I do not probe) so If I offended you I am sorry it was not my intention
As for breeding 3 is a better number to shoot for than 5 at 3 the female is large enough and mature enough it is at 2 that you need to watch but unless they are a stubborn eater 3 is good (males at a year)