When, where, and how long?

[eel88]

Now if read a decent amount about breeding. I've still got around 3 years before i have experience to back me up but until then i need to hear from the GODS of BP.net. Every body does stuff different i just what to hear about it. When do YOU start breeding? When do you start a cool down or extra misting, do you do this, does it help? How many tries or locks to look for or expect before you seperate the pair? How do you know they have locked if you're not watching them 24/7? Did you make your own incubator or buy? For my small group (which WILL grow) should i start off with a homemade cooler incubator it sounds easy enough? Give me advice any advice. Thanks, mucho gracias (if i spelt that right)!

[PythonWallace]

Now if read a decent amount about breeding. I've still got around 3 years before i have experience to back me up but until then i need to hear from the GODS of BP.net. Every body does stuff different i just what to hear about it. When do YOU start breeding? When do you start a cool down or extra misting, do you do this, does it help? How many tries or locks to look for or expect before you seperate the pair? How do you know they have locked if you're not watching them 24/7? Did you make your own incubator or buy? For my small group (which WILL grow) should i start off with a homemade cooler incubator it sounds easy enough? Give me advice any advice. Thanks, mucho gracias (if i spelt that right)!

Since you have so much time to read and take things in, I'd suggest searching the forums here and reading the answers to all the new questions that come up. You should also listen to reptile radio archives and the Ralph Davis archives. Ralph explains what he does, and Reptile Radio has guests on weekly who are some top name breeders, and they all go over their schedules and how they do things in general. Larry and BT know what they are talking about as well. You can also check out Adam's breeding schedule on 8ballpython.com for dates on when to cool and breed. I would suggest making your own incubator since they are really easy to make at any size you think you will need, and they are just as dependable as some of the pricier models you would find for sale. All you really need is a good proportional thermostat, some flexwatt and a cooler or other container that can hold steady temps. Anything from a rubbermaid box to a refridgerator can be used with success as long as you have enough flexwatt and a good thermostat.

[rabernet]

Everybody does what works for them - so we all do it a little differently. I'm far from experienced, this is my first year breeding. I did NOT cool. I started early November with my pairing.

I put the male in for three days and out for four. Talked to Kevin briefly on Friday (was calling for Kara) and he said you want at least six good locks.

Mine have been locking for at least 12 hours strait, if not longer, so I don't believe I've missed any locks so far (but it's possible).

I have just started misting each time I pair after consulting with Adam of 8ballpythons.

Since you're getting the new VPI book, they'll have even other ways of doing things. Take this time to read, learn and apply what makes the most sense for your situation!

[eel88]

Oh im planning on it. One of the best parts about reptiles in general is the pre planning of various things, cages, racks, what moprhs to get, who to pair them with, what does the future hold for my snakes. Its all very interesting. One thing im planning on doing is finding and going to as many reptile shows that i can afford the time and money to attend. The one and only one I went to was in Daytona this Aug. Man did i drool, learn, drool some more, and obsess about my future in reptiles. Going to that show just re-lit my fire in reptiles. Not that it needed to be lit again. I go to bed thinking about my creatures, wake up thinking about them, and while im at work im usually day dreaming about cleaning their poop and other various acts. Its all very odd to some but it keeps me ticking. Ha.

I love this forum!