Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A friend and I are attempting our first breeding this year... The snakes are together now, see activity every day.. Not always wrapped, but he is always riding on her. Now, I understand Ovulation is something obvious... she looks thicker than normal, but not huge. Will breeding stop during or after ovulation? Do we just leave them together until all activity stops? any and all info will be great... thanks

Breeding typically stops just before ovulation, a matter of days. You mentioned that she looks thicker than normal, but the male is still riding her, I'm going to assume what you are seeing is not actually ovulation, but rather what is called the pre-ovulation swell. The eggs follicles are maturing. The female will usually swell up, stretch out, and sometimes twist exposing her belly up. This is very easy to mistake for already being gravid, do not be fooled. If the male is still breeding her, leave him in.

The actual ovulation will happen some weeks later, (depending on the individual animal). You will know when you see ovulation, the swelling is usually huge and makes the snake look like she swallowed a football. It is very difficult to miss. You said she looks bigger, but not huge. well.... when she ovulates, she will be huge. You'll know when, trust me.

hope this answers your question. good luck.

I work 24 hour shifts, as does my friend (fire dept) so will the ovulation last a few days or is it kinda there and then gone? Jsut want to be sure we see it.. thanks again

it should be about a day or 2, give or take. It doesnt last very long, but it should be long enough for atleast one of you to see it. Trust me when I say, you'll know when you see it, the female will swell up like shes going to explode.

Some males just don't get the message that they are done.. But most of the time they will stop a few days before the female ovulates.

Some ovulations last a few hours and some may last a day or so. some females ovulate twice (once for each ovary) Safest bet is to leave the male and female together for a bit even after you think they are done just to be safe.
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Ed Lilley, www.constrictorsnw.com
www.reptileinsider.com