As pets, ball pythons are very popular.Many of the popularity is due to the number of color changes.Over 3000 different, distinctive color and pattern combinations have been created byselective breeding.Ball pythons are friendly and curious.
Step 1: Before breeding, make sure they have reached maturity.
It is important that the animals you intend to breed are large enough.A male needs to weigh over 700 grams and be at least one year old.A sperm plug can be used to determine proof of maturity.The male will know he is ready when the cloaca produces a white, cheese-like substance.Most breeders recommend that females be at least 3 years old and 1,700 grams (60 ounces) in order to breed, since females as small as 1,200 grams have been successfully bred.The process is hard on smaller animals.
Step 2: Determine what sex it is.
It is important to know the sex of the animals you intend to breed.It can be determined by probing.There are videos that teach the process.This can be dangerous to the animal if you don't get proper instruction or call an expert.Female snakes probe to a depth of 3 or 4 scales.Men generally probe to 7 scales.It is possible to get a false positive for a female if the snake is too small to stop the probe from achieving full penetration.
Step 3: A cooling-off period is provided.
A cooling-off period is needed to become fertile.For a period of about three months, the ambient air temperature needs to be in the 70's.The warm spot in the cage at night should be reduced to a low to mid 80's(F) low 30's (C) during the day.The idea is to have winter weather in Central Africa.This short spell whispers sweet nothings into the brains of these beautiful creatures and tells them that Spring is coming and new life needs to be created.During the cooling off period, introduce the male and female.They should be together for a few days, then apart.They may try to breed at that time, but it won't work.It's a good sign.
Step 4: Warm it up again.
The temperatures can be returned to normal after a cool spell.Most humans have good temperatures for ball pythons.
Step 5: Male excitement can be produced.
Many male ball pythons need extra stimulation to be happy.To put a number of males together is the easiest way to do this.They will start to notice each other and raise their hands up in the air.There is a picture of ball pythons that look like they are dancing.They are interested in connecting with the opposite sex.Ten to twenty minutes of this activity increases the males' interest in females.
Step 6: The female should be introduced to the male.
Leave them alone and let nature take its course after introducing them.They sometimes scrap, but injuries seem to be very rare.In a few minutes, the two animals will connect.
Step 7: Leave them alone.
Ball pythons can stay connected for up to two days.It's okay to look at them, but not to disturb them.They are not in a hurry.It can take a long time to complete this important step.Anything less than three or four hours is not likely to work.
Step 8: Wait.
A male ball python needs a week to recover.Give him a week or so to recover if you have more than one female to breed him to.
Step 9: Wait a bit more.
The sperm that the male deposits in the female can last up to 2 years.
Step 10: You can see the outline of the eggs inside the female if you look for signs that she is becoming gravid.
You don't need to keep introducing them to each other once you see that.
Step 11: The lay box needs to be prepared.
A Rubbermaid box with damp moss is an example of a lay box.She will lay eggs.
Step 12: The eggs should be removed.
Remove the female from the eggs and put them in a container.
Step 13: The temperature needs to be good.
Check the eggs once a week to make sure they are good.When you lift the lid to check the eggs, you don't have to put air holes in the container.
Step 14: The female should be fed.
If the female doesn't eat, you can wash her to remove the scent of the eggs.She needs to start eating again since she takes a lot out of her.
Step 15: Eggs should hatch in about 55 days.
Step 16: The babies should be in their own cage.
Babies should be put in their own cages until their first shed, lined with damp paper towel.You can use newspapers.
Step 17: Feed pinkie mice.
Pinkie mice should be fed to babies every five to seven days.
Step 18: Babies should have a bowl of water and a hide.