Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Wow, I have to say, this is the most experienced site I have ever been on (for forums, i mean).

I have a question about our breeding ventures this year. Well, probably more worries. I have a very modest ball python collection consisting of 2 big girls and an '06 male pastel 50% het hypo and just an '07 spider (i'm sure you are all laughing at how cheap my morphs are).

I just planning on cycling this year and seeing what happens. Both boys are producing sperm plugs and are up to weight. This will be the first year breeding for everybody and I think that is what is making me the most nervous of all.

I just keep thinking, what if someone isn't fertile, what if one of the males won't breed, what if we get breeding, but then nothing else? What if just nothing happens?

I have been growing all of these guys up for years and awaiting this year, which i thought would be a joyous one, and I am so stressed out with all f these questions.

I just have this feeling that something will go terribly wrong! I think i would cry.

Please give me reassurance. What are my odds of someone (important) not being fertile or all the eggs being bad or just not produce any at all?

I also was wondering when the best time to start pairing was? I've kind of been waiting for everyone to go off feed. The pastel is but no one else yet. I know for a fact my biggest girl, 2100 grams, will go off feed b/c she did last year.

sorry

2100 gram girl

Start putting them together now,they are ready.I feed through breeding season if they want to eat.Good Luck

First off,, there are a few people on here that have modest collections I'm sure, so don't worry too much about them laughing. We all have to start somewhere. I"m still in the research and purchase phase myself, though I've been lurking off and on for a long time. And for the record, my collection in starting out with those morphs too. I just wanted to say how handsome your pastel is. And also, I'd be nervous too, I think thats also part of the excitment. All I can say is, don't worry too much, everything will fall in place.
Good luck.

Take a deep breath and relax. It's not worth it if it causes too much stress.

You've read through the forums, done your research, maybe read a book or two and successfully raised them to this point. You must be doing something right.

If they are ready to breed - they will. There is only one way to find out if they are infertile... breed them. Even if they don't produce this year (or even next) it doesn't automatically mean they are not fertile... they just may not have been ready.

As far as making mistakes... everyone does it. You are bound to screw up SOMETHING. Just take your time setting everything up and go at your own pace. That way, hopefully, if you do make a mistake it will be small and you will catch it right away.

It can be nerve racking at times... but it'll be worth it next spring... I promise. Every snake, every season, every clutch is going to be a little different but that's half the fun.

Every breeding season brings out at least a dozen new breeders to the boards and along with them come pretty much the same questions every year. Most of us have been here long enough to be used to answering/seeing these questions and we won't mind them being asked again. Keep us posted and we'll try our best to walk you through the whole process.

Wow, this has to be the nicest forum I have ever been on. You guys are very helpful. I will start placing them together. I know for a fact that one of my females tail wags and "scents" if that is what in fact she is actually doing and I have heard different things on that. I hope its a good thing.

Here's a photo of her. I know she looks small, but she's a bit bigger now.