Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This will be my first time at breeding Balls!! I normally deal with Irian Jayas and Hondurans. But I really like the Ball Pythons and got several. A little diversity!! LOL

I have been cooling for the last month and 2 days ago place the male albino in with the female het albino. I took several pictures this morning and I can see a definite lock up.

I have read all there is about this subject and would like to hear from you guys if I am doing the right things here. I know about cycling the male every 3 days right?? Now how long does this go on for and when can I expect eggs??

Any other helpful info will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Tom

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Thomas Sierra

I start lowering temps early November, 80-85degrees days & low 70's at night.

After a couple weeks or so I start introducing the males in with the females. I leave the males in for about a week at a time, or until I see them lock up and complete intercourse which may take half a day or more (see pic 1). I give the males at least 3-4 days off inbetween breeding.

I feed the male very small meals every 3 -4 weeks from November - February, mainly to keep their energy up. The females usually refuse food, and with the temps being so low, I usually do not feed the females at all in December and January.

I continue with this cycle until either the females ovulate, or I raise the temps back up. I will usually raise temps on Valentines day, or February 14th.

You can tell the females are preggers at first they get a little chubby in the lower half,and the usually hang out in the cold end of the tub, or they wrap around the water dish to cool off. You may also see them laying inverted where the second half of their body is flipped upwards (see second pic). This building and behavior contiunues until they finally ovulate. Ovulation is where the entire bach half of the female will blow up, like she ate one of those minny Nerf footballs. This lasts 12 hors and you really cant miss it(See bottom pic).

Sorry hit enter...heres pics

Ovulation: Top

Lock up: Middle

Laying Inverted: Bottom

Congrats. You are going to love them. I know I do...

It sounds like you are doing everything right. As far as eggs go, last year I started cooling the last week of November, breeding started in December and I began getting eggs in early to mid March. But, some of my girls that started breeding in December didn't lay eggs until May. It all depends on how quickly her follicles develop and when she ovulates. It will be much easier to predict when she will lay her eggs once she has ovulated. Hope this helps you out a little bit.

Travis Whisler