Folks, I will just remind you all to please try to stay on topic and not coming running to defend anyone or create lines in the sand please. If the point here is to educate a new keeper about some realities of the world of breeding snakes, let's stick to that as best we can.

Exotics, please try to understand that no one is bashing you per se. They are however surprised that you have such a short timeline in mind. Breeding any living thing starts first with learning about that species, about their normal care, their normal needs, illnesses, etc. Breeding snakes, especially ball pythons, places these animals under stress which though quite normal for a breeding situation, may present you with issues you cannot identify or manage appropriately quite yet.

No one is telling you not to dream or work towards that dream. Most here are trying to caution you to be more realistic and to slow down and get the basics down pat first. Something like expecting 8 eggs out of a clutch is a good example. Quite a lot of ball python females do not lay 8 eggs. Of the ones that do, many times all 8 eggs do not survive to hatch. Assuming the number is a "normal" clutch will likely get you disappointed and mess with any timeline you've thought of so far. That kind of knowledge comes from experience and a learning curve that allows for learning oneself and from others.

Enjoy your learning time is my best advice before you rush to put yourself and your snakes under the stress of breeding expectations.