A Few Quick Questions...

[Lobo_Reptiles]

I was unable to find answers to these questions from cruising around. Was hoping an experienced breeder could assist!

1. Can you breed say a son to a mother or a daughter to a father? If the answer is yes, but it isn't good than I would rather not do it. I don't really like the idea of it, but just wanted to know. I figure breeding siblings is a big no no.

2. When can you sex the new hatchlings and what is better: popping or probing? I've read that you could very easily damage young hatchlings, so how long do you wait before doing so?

3. How long do you raise them up before putting them on the market. I figured 6-8 weeks? All of them have to be eating and whatnot.

4. This isn't really related, but didn't want to waste another thread. I want to get a probing kit, but don't know which one to get. Like there are ones with 4, 6, or 10 probes at different lengths. What would be more benefitial?

Thanks to all who reply!

[xdeus]

I was unable to find answers to these questions from cruising around. Was hoping an experienced breeder could assist!

1. Can you breed say a son to a mother or a daughter to a father? If the answer is yes, but it isn't good than I would rather not do it. I don't really like the idea of it, but just wanted to know. I figure breeding siblings is a big no no.

2. When can you sex the new hatchlings and what is better: popping or probing? I've read that you could very easily damage young hatchlings, so how long do you wait before doing so?

3. How long do you raise them up before putting them on the market. I figured 6-8 weeks? All of them have to be eating and whatnot.

4. This isn't really related, but didn't want to waste another thread. I want to get a probing kit, but don't know which one to get. Like there are ones with 4, 6, or 10 probes at different lengths. What would be more benefitial?

Thanks to all who reply!

1. Yes. There shouldn't be a problem if either snake doesn't show any genetic abnormalities. Many of the morphs you see were results of breeding mother/sons or father/daughters.

2. Popping is easy with new hatchlings. Probing is probably a little more risky, but can be done with a gentle touch. You can pop as soon as you get them cleaned up (right out of the egg).

3. It's not a matter of time for me, but rather how many times they've eaten. I like to get at least 4-6 meals in them before shipping.

4. It's not so much the length as the width. Most probes are long enough to probe Balls as their tails really aren't very long, but you want a variety of widths. If the probe is too narrow or too thick, you run the risk of injuring your snake.

[Lobo_Reptiles]

Thank you Lawrence! A few more questions...where can I get a 3,000 gram scale? The ones I have found usually only go to 500. I've searched Bean Farm, Reptile Supply, LLL, Big Apple Herp...I just can't find one.

Also, should I make my own incubator or buy one of the HovaBaters. A lot of people say they are good, but then I've also heard they dry out the eggs? Any input would be great.

[Ginevive]

I got mine from Walmart; it works great. It was sold as a "food scale." But we know what they're really for!
I am going to use a modified Hova this year; I took the top of one, and am using it over, and sealed to, a larger styro box. It is the kind that shipments of live fish are shipped in.. more room for the sealed tubs. I plan to do egg crate over wet vermiculite..

[xdeus]

Here's a decent digital scale. It's the same one I use, and it works great.

As far as the Hovabator... I have no personal experience using them, but I have heard several negative comments with regards to incubating Ball Python eggs. I'd recommend investing in a decent one like this one from Nature's Spirit Reptiles, or building your own out of an ice chest/refrigerator and Flexwatt.

[Lobo_Reptiles]

Yeah, I figured I would find out before I built. That scale looks really nice! I'll have to scope WalMart out. I'm an avid WalMart-aholic when it comes to snake stuff.

ONE LAST QUESTION (maybe)! Chimera is already of breeding weight. I am thinking about purchasing another female in a few months. How much should the new female weigh to be breedable by the next breeding season? Say I decide to buy her in June/July and she is fed regularly (not power fed). I guess it all depends on rate of growth, but I am not as familiar with the females. I figured 1,000 grams? Thanks again Lawrence and of course, Jen

[mricyfire]

Thank you Lawrence! A few more questions...where can I get a 3,000 gram scale? The ones I have found usually only go to 500. I've searched Bean Farm, Reptile Supply, LLL, Big Apple Herp...I just can't find one.

Also, should I make my own incubator or buy one of the HovaBaters. A lot of people say they are good, but then I've also heard they dry out the eggs? Any input would be great.

I just bought the MyWeight 7001Dx and it is amazing works great looks cool. And does well over 3000g...goes up to 15.4 lbs i believe.

http://myweigh.com/mediumscales_3001.html

also...i got it on ebay for 24.99

[Ginevive]

After having seen Chimera, I am not she that she is at breeding weight yet. I compared her to my girls, and she did not look to be as large as them; I would definately get a certain gram weight before trying! I wanted to breed Bela last year but she was not even up to 1500g at the time so I waited the extra year; just a thought.

[ECLARK]

Ball pythons can be popped and never need to be probed, just my opinion.

[Sputnik]

Ball pythons can be popped and never need to be probed, just my opinion.

I agree with ya Ed