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This will be my first year (hopefully) producing baby balls.
One of my females has been breeding steadily since end of November beginning of December. To this point I have not witnessed ovulation, felt follicles or anything. But yesterday the female started to act a bit strange, by strange I mean instead of being coiled up she is somewhat stretching herself out almost as if she had a big meal in her (which she hasn't). I am curious to know if this means anything? Maybe growing follicles? Just not sure what she is doing (if anything) and what I am witnessing.

Thanks
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0.2 Normal Adult ball pythons
0.2 Normal Adult ball pythons (on breeding loan)
0.1 Sub-adult
1.0 Normal ball python
1.1 Bell Line Pastel Ball pythons
1.0 Adult Het Albino Ball Python
1.0 Het Pied Ball Python
1.0 Het Carmel Ball Python
1.0 66% Het pied Ball python
0.2 50% Het albino Ball Pythons

Interested in a breeding loan? Email me....

In the days before ovulation there is the pre-ov swell, variable enlargement and turgidness as the follicles rapidly gain size nearing ovulation. Then 4-8 days or so later ovulation occurs, and this looks like the snake ate a BIG meal, except the lump is a little further caudal (towards the tail) than the stomach. The female is usually VERY receptive during the pre-ov swell. The best (most fertile) matings occur just prior to the pre-ov swell and actual ovulation. After ov matings are too late.

Hope this helps!
Scott J. Michaels DVM

(A little surprised no one answered before me(??))

Well not sure what was going on, and can't say for certain I noticed any swelling to speak of. She has since returned (after about 48 hours) to a more coiled type of position. For a few days she was stretched out, and even last night included. What made last night a bit strange was that midway down the snake she seemed to "flatten out" like she was pushing herself downward. I don't know what is going on with her at all. I have not witnessed any copulation in the last week or so with her either. I guess time will tell.

sometimes a well-fed female BP when relaxing and stretched out may have a slightly flattened look to them. I have an adult female that has that look when spread out and at rest. I believe she is about 4-6 weeks away from ovulating. But yes when in pre-ov swell and actual ov the females usually stretch out. Then after ov the females often remain coiled (heat conservation position).

Keep introducing the male and check the female at least twice daily (every 12 hours or so). Watch for pre-ov swell, the subsequent ov, and then fading into shed.

Good luck!
SJM