Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have two Ball Pythons which I am 95% that they are oppopsite sexes, but I want to make sure. I have been to many sites that have step-by-step procedures to probe snakes. They seem pretty easy to do, and I have no vet that specializes in herpetology in my area, but a local reptile sore who does it. Should I purchase probes and try it myself? Or should I take it down to the herp shop and have one of the guys to show me how to do it? Another quesiton, I am looking forward to breeding my two pythons when Find out their sex, so when they are at the proper weight, should I start anytime, or the normal breeding season? I have purchased a gram scale to make sure they are at the right weight, but after 2 years how heavy and how long should a female ball python be? And for the male, he'll be two soon, so how ong hsould he be, and what should his weight be. So far the female is around 600 grams and the male is roughly 650 grams, these are estimates weighed on a lbs scale converted into grams, my gram scale hasn't been shipped. they both are about the same length, id say about anywhere from 2 1/2 - 3 ft max, are these normal sizes for their age? Or are they behind? Thank you to all who have read this whole thing. Feel free to contact me through AOL/AIM at: BigBadRetroDaddy, I'm almost online every hour, so leave a message if you have to. Thanks a lot i appreciate the help.

question one...I would try to have someone show you how to probe first. If you don't do it right, you can injure the snake.

question two...the female may be a little behind but then again maybe not. Depends on the snake. Some grow faster than others. All depends on their feeding habits. The minimum weight for a female should be at least 1500 grams. On the average, it takes 2-3 years to get them that big. 500 grams for a male is ok...bigger is better. Yours is 650...he would be ready to go. I would personally wait until this coming fall before you try to breed (if you have a female that is big enough). Breeding during the fall just makes sense because you don't have to manipulate their environment as much. Good luck.