Minmal weight/age for breeding males?

[Ginevive]

I am just shooting this out there, as there are many respected breeders and newcomers like myself as well. I hope that this does not get argumentative, as I am only trying to get a definitive answer. What is the minimum weight and age that you'd start breeding a male BP? Please explain factors such as the relation of snake length to girth/weight; body type; etc. Thanks; I just want to know!
I personally have never bred a male that was under 600g. My spider was about that last year and was not interested in breeding, though he was producing spermie plugs. Now at 800-odd grams, he is acting the stud.
And while we're at it, what is your litmus test to determine if a female is ready? I personally waited last year until my smallest female topped 1800g and was stocky looking without being overly fat. She produced nicely last year, but had 4 lozenge-shaped eggs. Do smaller females lay fewer and larger eggs, or was this just something of a random thing?

[Sputnik]

I think it depends on the animal/s....

I have used males at 350 and up, if the male looks like he can get the job done then I'll see how he does. Some males imo are ready at an early weight and some not.

Using good judgement is key.

Just like there is more then one way to feed bps, there is also more then one way to house them and more then one way breed them and more then one time of the year to breed them.

[Petboy15]

Yep, a million ways to do it. Right now, the smallest male breeding for this season with me is just under 600 grams. He was a little less(550) when I started the season, but is still eating as well as he locked with his girl for the first time a few days ago. He is an 06. Id try an 07 male, sure. If he is a 3 month old sausage no, its not gonna happen.(Or is it?Jas?) If I was breeding lets say an 07 at 400 grams, Id definately have him spending less time with the ladies and a little more time resting in between. Id also be sure to be very careful, and check check on him a little more frequently.

I think as long as you are careful and pay attention, it can't hurt to give a small male a try.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Personnally 700/800 grams because that is what I am comfortable with, but I have no issue with people knowing what they do and breeding smaller males.

[rabernet]

I haven't decided how low I'd be willing to go - both males breeding for me this year are over 1100 grams.

Would I ever breed a much smaller male? I'm opening up my mind to learning from others who have bred younger, lighter males.

But I think the most IMPORTANT thing, when making any decision that directly affects your animals is to tune in to them and the signals that they're giving you. You know if your animal is stressed, is acting off, even if they are behaviorally different because of breeding anyway. You have to know your animals, and be willing to put a project on hold for another year if you determine it's in your animals' best interest.

I believe that Jas has been succesful breeding younger males, because he IS so tuned into his animals and doesn't overdue it.

Was I shocked to learn that Murphy, little 200 gram Murphy has already been bred when he was in John's care? Yes, absolutely! Was I concerned about it? Nope, I held that animal in my hands before tucking him away in QT. I trust John knows what he's doing, and this animal appears healthy, is alert, and yes, he's settled in quickly and had his first meal tonight. I don't think he suffered one bit from John's decision.

Will I breed him this year? I haven't decided. Right now - with my current plans, I don't have any females for him. However, if Winston and Pandora still haven't hit it off by March, I may run Murphy with Pandora, and I'm sure picking John's brain about breeding a younger animal.

[Icatsme]

I think as long as you are careful and pay attention, it can't hurt to give a small male a try.

I'm quite glad someone has posted about this.

Interestingly enough I have an approximately 8 year old normal that was vet probed to be male. This is the first breeding season I've had females large enough to safely breed. Unfortunately so far, this 8 year old 2000 gram male couldn't give a hoot when I introduce him to these available girls.

I put my 06 500+ gram pastel male in with one of the breeding size females for the heck of it. Apparently, he is quite the "ladies man" and knows exactly what moves to make. Much to my surprise, I've seen him lock with two different 1500+ gram females in the last 3 weeks.

From the many resources I've referenced, read, and reviewed my pastel male is certainly on the smaller side of what can be safely bred. I've seen him lock, or what I feel I can confidently interpret as a lock, within two days of introducing him to a female. After they are done, I put him back in his own tub to rest. He is feeding normally and looks healthy to me. (I'm wondering if that added *sparkle* to his eye is my imagination) I've weighed him weekly throughout and he hasn't lost any weight.

I'm particularly interested in this thread, as I hope I'm not being negligent in letting my little male meet and greet these girls.

[JASBALLS]

Jen, I did not mean to offend you in that other post! Just with all the "New people" that always hear about the 90 day qt. I thought it should have been brought up. As far as the smallest male bred.. 175g. with his mom in 06. Why? I'm trying to help figure out these animals! I have been to all the big breeders sights and they all do it differently. I just kind of mixed it and gave it a twist. No harm is ever done to my animals. Like I have told Ralph and others, I have huge 3 year old males I wouldnt breed. Bottom line is, The snakes Know what to do and when to do it! The keepers Like BT and Myself, Just Know what to look for. If a young male dies from being bred to early, Thats one thing. But not QTing for the proper time could and does kill Hundreds of animals. There is a big difference. I'm just trying to Help the ball python community the best I can..

[PythonWallace]

John, what are your reasons for not breeding your huge 3 year old males, if you don't mind me asking?

[JASBALLS]

John, what are your reasons for not breeding your huge 3 year old males, if you don't mind me asking?

They are shy. and picky feeders.

[PythonWallace]

They are shy. and picky feeders.

Don't you think that if you let them slay a few hood rats, they'd loosen up and have some confidence? Worked for my friend Anthony.