1)How do you tell the difference between males and females?



Probing is the most reliable way for adult ball pythons. Find a veterinarian or qualified herpetoculturist in your area.



2)How old do they have to be? I've heard they have to be 3 years old....



Males can breed well around 18 months although there are exceptions. Females can breed well around 3-4 years although with females weight is of most concern.



3)Do they have to be a certain weight to breed?



Males can be reproductive at 400g and up. Although 400g is on the very low end. It is regularly stated on this forum and I feel it is important to have a female at 1500g at the beginning of the breeding season to be most successful. There are many exceptions and some breed females as little as 1200g. I had a 2 year old 900g female build follicles this year but I did not attempt to breed her for her own safety. A 1500g female will likely produce fertile healthy young.

When selecting females to breed you have to use your best judgement. A female can be 1500g and thin. She will need significant fat bodies to produce lots of eggs. A plump 1500g female can produce many more eggs than a thin 1500g female. There is evidence that snake obesity can also decrease egg fertility. Read all you can.



Brad Ratliff



Brad Ratliff

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