Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am hoping to pick up a pair of 100 percent hets for albino when they hatch out in December, but before I play the waiting game as they grow to breeding size I wanted to play my luck with some normals, so that I can make sure I know how to breed ball pythons and successfully incubate eggs. So I have a 3 year old male who has never bred. He is about 1300 grams. I am picking up a large female next weekend (over 1500 grams). Should I start cycling the male now? Can I just stop feeding him and turn off his heat pad at night? He is in a rack so it is really easy to control temps. Should I do this for the better part of 2 months (8-12 weeks), or is that not enough time, or too much? Thanks, Amy
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*Amy*

Amy......he is definately big enough.....
and you don't have to do anything..he should start breeding as of now.....

you get the big girl.....make sure they both eat....

then go ahead breed them all winter......

mine usually ovulate around February and March......

have fun.......
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SEE YOU AT VALLEY FORGE SHOW..........!!!!!!!!!!!

lol......SATURDAY MORNING..........

Thanks! I will certainly try
Amy
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*Amy*

I normally begin dropping night temps Oct. Then my 2-3 day introductions begin Nov and continue through the end of Feb. Some may last a bit longer...but the majority end around March.

Give them plenty of time for successful copulation, ovulation, and fertilization.

Don't rush the breeding season by cutting it short (8-12 weeks).

During introductions, I like to mist the pairs and entire cage raising the humidity and help create a "mood".

Once either begins a shed cycle, separate them until finished. Always introduce the animals immediately after a shed cycle.

You may continue offering the female food throughout the breeding season, however discontinue all food offerings between ovulation and egg laying. Don't offer your male anything until spring (unless he is becoming very, very thin).

Hope this helps...Rich Macias BLOODLINES

Thanks! Your reply was very helpful. The only thing I have bred successfully are rats lol!

Thanks again! I'm sure I'll have more questions when I get my female!
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*Amy*