Reptile & Amphibian Forums

According to the Dr. Sewards Ball Python Breeding video (featuring the Sutherlands), a female BP will absorb her developing follicles in an effort to conserve breeding energies if not exposed to a male soon enough. The video also mentions that follicular development takes approximately 4-6 months.

So the question is...how long do you have from the start of the cooling process before the female absorbs her developing follicles [and skips the breeding season]?

Or perhaps an alternative question...what is the longest amount of time you have waited before introducing a male [with breeding success]?

(I have two normal '99 females in the 1500-2000 range and growing FAST even through the cooling period, and I need to know how much time I have left before I need to look for and/or decide on a breeding loan arrangement for this season. This is one of those last minute things.)

Thanks In Advance,
Chris
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mean people suck

Chris,
Interesting question without a clear answer. In captivity ball pythons are hatched out almost every month of the year, also according to the information in the video and handbook the whole cooling thing is subtle, a 5 degree difference, and I do cool mine. But I also beleive that male contact is necessary to continue the process of follicular development, so don't wait too long to acquire the male needed. About a month after I start the cooling process I will start introducing the females to the male every two weeks (plus or minus). I pay attention to shed dates and feeding response, sometimes an increased feeding response is a good sign that the process is beginning so continue to feed the beast during this time, she will stop when the time is right. So to answer that question " how long do you have from the start of the cooling process before the female absorbs her developing follicles?" I think it varies from female to female depending size, weight, and possibly age. Just get that male in so that the process can continue.
Have some fun and good luck, Mike Derks