I originally posted this as a response to a breeding question from a “beginner” like myself. I sensed some of the same apprehension about the process that I also had. I’m re-posting this for all those who are overwhelmed by all the things that can go wrong. However, sometimes they can go right!!!
I just finished my first shot at breeding. Truthfully, I was a little "freaked out" by the process. Experienced breeders must recall those feelings of panic and thinking “What DON’T I know…
I read and talked with as many people as I could in order to gather information. Most I spoke with on the phone said it's not really that hard. Most of what I read in books or the Internet began with "There is no one way to set up your breeding, this is just way we do it." They then set out a very specific detailed sequence of timed, measured, actions that implied (to me at least) that "there is" sort of only one successful method -- the one they use.
So now I am even more apprehensive!!! I have only been in this interesting/addictive world of balls since January so I don't even know what I don't know, and probably know just enough to get in trouble. I have 2 males I'm trying to prove-out, so why not breed in May? Right? Let's find out just how easy it might be? I didn't cool any of my snakes for more than a couple off days if at all. I did turn off their heat at night and their heat during the day was around 85. Ambient temps day 78-85 night 72-80. I had fans on during the day, but have not had to use air conditioning this spring and summer AT ALL. I didn't do anything too exactly. Can you tell? --Irresponsibility through ignorance.
At the end of three weeks 9 of 10 females were gravid for certain. Most with only 1 or 2 locks. The males had 4-5 days on and 2-3 days off after eating. The tenth female has taken I think? I missed her ovulation and she may be one of those who don't show. She looks as though she is entering her pre-lay shed.
Beginners luck? I hope not. Because this really does seem easy after all that fretting!!! What I KNOW I did right was to work with mature snakes!!! My girls were between 1600-2700 grams and my 2 boys were 05's around 1200 grams. Almost all of them ate a small rat every week, and continue to do so - boys too. The topper is my first clutch ever!!! -- Dropped July 30th from one of my big girls --10 fluffy eggs --not a slug in the bunch!!! The clutch weighed 925 grams.
I live in California, so our May - July weather is mild compared to most parts of the country. I'm guessing that may also be a factor when considering late spring breeding. I hope to have close to this success this fall when our whether is a little cooler. At least I don't have freezing temps to navigate. I know I will be doing my anti-scientific lick your finger method next spring. I have written down as much as I could remember about what, how and when I did things. I am a newbie, but not shortsighted.
My advice to anyone new to breeding if anyone were to ask a TOTAL NOVICE with what is very little - albeit successful experience, is to do your research, speak with those who know and have had repeated success, and if you hear the same info from three sources you might want to try it that way -- or you could just take a deep breath and put the men with the women and let nature take its course!!! Grip it and rip it!! After all, when you get right down too it, we are all animals (including our snakes) and more likely than not -- nature will call!! Thanks to those who have helped me and continue to do so -- you know who you are. I try not to name drop these days. There really is so much to learn, and most of it comes from doing. Experience cannot be given -- it must be earned. For whatever it is worth, 90% of the people I have dealt with over the last 8 months have been TERRIFIC!!!
Happy, successful, breeding to everyone!!
Bill Buchman
