Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm sure that this has probably been asked alot but I haven't been able to find anything on it! What temps should ball pythons be kept at during hibernation and is it necessary to hibernate them in order to breed them (I'm sure that the answer is yes but wanted to make sure). Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Christy

Hi Christy, No, you do not need to hibernate BP's to breed them. Normally, the breeding season runs from October thro to March. In September, you will need to gradually turn down the night time temperatures so that by Oct.1st. the night time ambient temp is 70 degrees F, although anywhere between 70 and 75 degrees will still result in successful breeding. Keep the daytime temps the same all year round i.e.90 to 95 degrees hotspot, 85 degrees ambient air temp. Hours of daylight are also very important.By October 1st, you need to be providing 10 hours of daylight and 14 hours of darkness; so gradually reduce these hours during September also.Generally, males are introduced to females during the first week in October, usually for 5 to 10 days at a time, and then removed to their own boxes while both are fed and rested for two days; then the procedure is started all over again. Some males do not feed during 'cooling' but this is nothing to worry about. They usually resume feeding again when the temps are raised. On April 1st, gradually increase the daylight hours to 14 and reduce nightime hours to 10, whilst at the same time, gradually increase the nightime temperature to match daytime temp.
If you have not started cooling already, it is not too late. Begin cooling now, and reduce your daylight hours - gradually - over the next week or so, and them let the snakes do the rest! Happy herping. Eric