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I have a problem. I had a friend that was watching my snakes for a couple weeks and she decided my 800 grm female looked "lonely". So, she put her in the tank that houses 2 of my males. At first I did not think anything of it and put my lil girl back where she was supposed to be(thinking of course that she was way to small to even ovulate for the boys to get her gravid). But, now she looks gravid(and getting bigger by the day). This Sucks!!! I was not even planning on breeding her until she was at least 1300 grams! My question to you pro breeders is: What are the potential problems that could occur? And, what are the signs of those problems so that I reconize the problem and get her to a vet asap? Also, being so small, will her instincts still kick in and will she incubate her eggs? I do not want to loose my girl just because of a friend's ignorance. Also, she is a die hard mouse eater. Right now she is eating 4 lg mice per week. How much more and how often do I need to feed her and would putting extra calcium and or vitamins in her diet help her at all?
Here is a pic of my girl...before this happened. I will try to take a current pic when I get a chance.

PS I know some species of snakes darken when they become gravid. Do ball pythons do the same? I swear my girl looks darker right now. What will be the signs to look for when she is about to lay?

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Relax, once they are gravid they usually won't eat, no room for food if there are eggs in there. I doubt your girl is gravid. Also they usually get lighter, look almost like ghosts when gravid, I believe Mark calls it the 'glow before they go'. She would go through a post ovulation shed though wich would give a darker look for a while. I would guess though if she is eating 4 large mice a week she is just putting on weight and that is the getting bigger you are noticing. She should be fine and will most likely lengthen out when she sheds and look sleek and normal.
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Nita Hamilton
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Ball Pythons
ballpythonworld.com

snakes

don't

get

lonely.
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1.0 gorgeous spider ball python
2.2 het for axanthic
5.20 normals
Blazingreptiles.comup & running!

That is what I tried to tell my friend....sigh. That is the last time I have someone watch my snakes that does not know what they are doing.

You need to get a new friend....Or atleast a herp friend....Who in there right mind would think that a snake is lonely and needs to be housed with 2 males that might fight each other for the chance to mate. Did you just say you let someone watch your snakes even though they knew nothing about them? Maybe it was just loosely said or something. Just be more cautious of who you let borrow your snakes, I had a friend that tried to house my 2 ball pythons with his 2 female bull snakes. He said he did it because he needed to clean out the cages...Either way be more watchful next time.

No, she has reptiles, just no snakes. She keeps leopard geckos(2 of them). I did not let her borrow them I just asked her to go to my home and make sure the snakes had water and to check the lights to make sure they were in working condition. I have explained to her why not to put my snakes together again. She feels really bad, but I told her that s**t happens and she's agreed to pay any vet bills that might occur due to this. She's definatly gravid though, I saw her sunning on her side today and you can almost see the lumps. Looks to be 2 eggs in her. All I wish out of this is that my unproven het for red axanthic got her. I will keep everyone posted. How close to laying do balls stop eating? She still wants food all the time. Her weight is still good so far(not looking skinny on top or anything).

That snake pictured is NOT gravid.....

I think you are fine and have nothing to worry about!! Kev @NERD

>>I have a problem. I had a friend that was watching my snakes for a couple weeks and she decided my 800 grm female looked "lonely". So, she put her in the tank that houses 2 of my males. At first I did not think anything of it and put my lil girl back where she was supposed to be(thinking of course that she was way to small to even ovulate for the boys to get her gravid). But, now she looks gravid(and getting bigger by the day). This Sucks!!! I was not even planning on breeding her until she was at least 1300 grams! My question to you pro breeders is: What are the potential problems that could occur? And, what are the signs of those problems so that I reconize the problem and get her to a vet asap? Also, being so small, will her instincts still kick in and will she incubate her eggs? I do not want to loose my girl just because of a friend's ignorance. Also, she is a die hard mouse eater. Right now she is eating 4 lg mice per week. How much more and how often do I need to feed her and would putting extra calcium and or vitamins in her diet help her at all?
>>Here is a pic of my girl...before this happened. I will try to take a current pic when I get a chance.
>>
>>PS I know some species of snakes darken when they become gravid. Do ball pythons do the same? I swear my girl looks darker right now. What will be the signs to look for when she is about to lay?
>>
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www.newenglandreptile.com

"Here is a pic of my girl...before this happened. I will try to take a current pic when I get a chance."

So, your definitely right, but I pulled that quote from her original post. Thought I'd point it out in case you would have advice for her if indeed her snake is gravid. Take care

Paul