Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had my male ball for about 3 years. And my females is about 2. I still need to get a scale to weigh the female, but she's getting pretty stocky and heafty now.

It's still pretty early for it, but I was looking forward to possibly breeding them next season.

I know there's a definete breeding season for balls, but do they always have to be cooled beforehand? Or is just reducing the feedings okay? How do you go about cooling? I know some breeders set up older fridge models as giant coolers...but I don't have that kinda space.

When the female lays the eggs, Is it better to leave her to incubate? Or move them? Also...how soon is it okay to move them?

I've been reading up on this recently, but I always find it better to get a few opinions than just reading some caresheets.I've had a pretty good year with my leo geckos...so now I wanna try my hand at my pythons =3

Thanks for your time and advice ^-^

Try reading the book "Python" by Barlett and Wagner, I think both of them have a PHD. in herpatology.

Try reading the book "Python" by Barlett and Wagner, I think both of them have a PHD. in herpatology.

Most Ball Python breeders do start breeding in the winter, however, Ball Pythons can breed any time of the year. As for cooling, or cycling, you do not want to use an old fridge with Ball Pythons. This would be something used with colubrids and animals who need a very low cool period. When I cycle I slowly take the night time temps down to around 70. I usually leave mine at this temp for about 4-6 weeks and then raise back up to normal. During this time, the snakes usually will not fed. Once the temps are back up I see the most breeding activity. I have heard many ways of cycling and other recipes work fine, this is just mine. Also some people have had successful breedings without any cycling. There are alot of good websites with more info on this topic, just do your research. Hope this helps, Jason

I know there;s always different methods to everything... heck there's so many for just leopard geckos sometimes o_o;

I have been flipping through my Ball Python Manual and a few websites, but I noticed a few breeders here, so I figured I may as well ask here too ^_~

Now I just need toget a scale to make sure that the female is indeed breeding weight before I try and cool them. She's getting pretty big, but just don't have a defineite weight yet.

There is a 2 video and book called "Breeding Ball Pythons".

Goto this address:
http://www.drseward.com/New_Site/NWbpbreeding.htm

Hope this helps....