Is the number of copulations significant?

[RogueStar]

I was wondering, how many copulations do you usually witness (I know they can do it while you're not looking but sometimes you catch them in the act) in cases where you get eggs? Do you have pairs that copulate a couple of times and just don't drop?

Is it true that sometimes one time is all that's needed for consequences, or are you confident in expecting eggs only when you know they've copulated at least x times?

I have one pair that has copulated 9 times this winter (as far as I know of) and another where I've witnessed a lock only 3 times. Still no ovulations witnessed though... Only some bowl wrapping by the first female. What are my chances of success?

[jkobylka]

The number of copulations is not hugely important. Its a good question though because most ppl want to know the minimum number of copulations need to have success (so the male can be maximized to multiple females)

The answer is complicated.

I believe that copulations early in the season helps kickstart follicle growth. Its also true that if several months pass while the female has good sized follicles she may reabsorb them and not produce that year. In addition, even if they do go through to ovulation with no relatively recent copulations, there may not be live sperm awaiting the eggs as they move down the oviduct... resulting in slugs.

My method is to get one successful copulation early in the season, then get at least one when I can see follicular development and one when the follicles get to a large size and ovulation is less than a month away.

If you're unsure about how to measure follicles by palpating or ultrasound, breeding them at least once per month through the season should deliver good results. I think breeding more often than that would likely be more than what is needed.

Justin

[Tosha_Mc]

My first clutch that I produced I kind of just did one of those "I missed the season but I'll throw them together and see what happens" deals - anyway they locked twice - she ovulated (about a month later) and laid a clutch of 8. might have just been beginners luck

[West Coast Jungle]

The more the merrier I always say

[BChambers]

I like to see at least 3 or 4 good hookups over 3-4 months before I feel reasonably confident. That said, last season I obtained a good size female very late in the season-threw her in with my best male pastel on June 5, but within a day decided it was too late. I decided i'd concentrate on conditioning her for the fall season. They hooked up once.

You guessed it- from that single copulation she dropped 5 good eggs on October 11th, producing 1 normal and 4 beautiful pastels November 27! So sometimes, one is enough.

[RogueStar]

Thanks for your comments, that leaves me hopeful. That's amazing luck I guess, but it's good to know it's possible!

With my luck nothing will probably happen but if something does, you'll hear from it. Loud.

[ama1997]

I started a poll on this a while back. Here is the link http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=54770