No, I don't know of any studies or literature. Just an idea..


I do think " I know" that the Luteinizing hormones build up in the female bloodstream as the follicles mature. Since all follicles are not mature at the same instant there is a delay that "waits" for the others to catch up and mature. Once mature the hormone spikes and triggers ovulation. (Don't think oxytosin would help us here?) If a female is trigger happy due to not being able to hold off she could easily ovulate prematurely resulting to a pile of "slugs". If a female is too warm she will often ovulate in this same fashion without there ever being a chance for a fertile eggs since ovum maturation was never accomplished.

So, her "jumpy/high strung" personality may indicate a deeper issue going on here. She may have an imbalance due to hormone regulation and just as a weightlifter that may be "juicing" and has elevate testosterone is jumpy and ANGRY. (I have met a few with this problem, they admitted to me what their deal was). Maybe, just maybe she just can not control her self and is very reactive and sensitive to environmental clues and/or temps...including their owners!

SATAN

>>Kevin, that is a very interesting take to think that the desert girls might not have the hormonal balance right to produce viable eggs.
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>>As I said above, I am new to this hobby, but as a biochemist you have triggered a whole bunch of ideas in my mind. Do you know of any studies measuring ball python hormone levels in females as they mature, produce follicles, ovulate, and lay their eggs? Comparing desert females hormone levels to normal levels at various stages would be very interesting...
>>
>>Perhaps a little estrogen or oxytocin supplement at the right time would unlock the whole project!
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