Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am having some real problems with my white lipped pythons. I have a 1.1 for sure. Sold to me that way and I have personally probed them at least two times and they are a pair. The male is a complete psycho and every time I clean the cage or disturb them at all he grabs the female and they ball up. They were beautiful CB pretty much flawless animals, and now they are getting beat to shiznit by each other. Is it possible that they are just not compatible? They are gold phase, and fully mature at 6-7 foot with good weight. I am keeping them in the standard high 60's to low 70's at night then back up to the high 80's low 90's for cycling. I just don't know what to do. They are driving me crazy.
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Jim Kuroski

i would personally seperate them, as thay have been known to be canabalistic(?), i would only house them together after they have been cycled and are ready to breed,

They have and are being cycled, and this is the right time of year for them to be copulating as far as I know. They should have already started, but can got through March I think. Thanks for the info, but I need some help from someone who has actually bred these guys and can give me a little more detailed info. on whether this male will ever be interested, or if they are just not compatible and I need to find a new male.
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Jim Kuroski

np
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Jim,

I would recommend that you place a good sized hide/humidity box in their cage. It should be large enough for both of them to fit into at the same time, fairly opaque, and filled with either damp sphagnum moss or shredded newspaper (lightly misted). I would use a Rubbermaid with a 5-6" hole in either the lid or on one of the sides. Also be sure to place half of the hide over the heat source.

They should find the box irresistible and occupy it almost immediately. Once they find their way inside they should be free from most outside distractions. This method has always worked for me, and I've had some pretty aggressive White-Lips! LOL. Hope it helps....
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Will Leary
Reptilicus Reptiles

Why don't you separate them, and introduce them only for breeding? I know that may be a hastle. You could also get him more used to you when he is alone, so he won't freak out so much when he is in with the female.
Justin J

"Why don't you separate them, and introduce them only for breeding?"

I am trying to breed them now...they have been active at night, but I have seen no copulation. They are fine once they are in together for about 2 minutes, it's just the initial intro that gets scary.
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Jim Kuroski