Breeding ball pythons is a rewarding endeavor that requires careful planning, observation, and patience. This guide outlines the essential steps to successfully breed ball pythons, from preparing your snakes to incubating eggs.
1. Introducing Males to Females
- Pairing: Introduce males into female enclosures for 2–3 days or until copulation is observed. Try misting the enclosure before the introduction.
- Frequency: Aim to breed each female at least once per shed cycle or once a month.
- Feeding: Continue feeding small rats or other appropriate prey once a week.
This approach ensures males are not overworked and maintains female health.
2. Monitoring Female Behavior and Follicle Development
Signs of Follicle Development:
- Behavioral Changes: Females may wrap around water bowls or seek cooler areas.
- Physical Indicators: Look for “lumping” or swelling two-thirds down the body.
These signs suggest the female is building follicles in preparation for ovulation.
3. Identifying Ovulation
Ovulation Indicators:
- Swelling: A noticeable mid-body bulge resembling a large meal.
- Tail Suck: The tail appears thin and sucked in when looking at the bottom side, by the vent, due to egg movement.
- Behavior: Increased restlessness and inverted laying positions.
4. Pre-Lay Shed and Egg Laying
Timeline:
- Pre-Lay Shed: Occurs approximately 16 days after ovulation.
- Egg Laying: Expect egg deposition around 30 days post-shed.
Preparation:
- Humidity: Maintain levels between 65–70%.
- Substrate: Dampen substrate to aid in shedding and egg laying.
During this period, females may soak more frequently and exhibit nesting behavior.
5. Egg Collection and Incubation
Egg Handling:
- Removal: Gently separate the female from her clutch, ensuring all eggs are laid. Inspect her belly and run your fingers along the underside of her body to feel for eggs
- Inspection: Candle eggs using a flashlight to check for fertility (visible veins).
Incubation Setup:
- Medium: Use perlite and water with an egg tray to separate the eggs from the moisture.
- Temperature: Maintain at 89°F.
- Environment: Ensure consistent humidity and minimal disturbance.
Eggs typically hatch around 55 days after laying.
6. Hatching and Post-Hatch Care
Hatching Signs:
- Dimpling: Eggs become soft and dimpled as hatching nears.
- Pipping: Hatchlings begin to emerge, often requiring no assistance.
Post-Hatch:
- Housing: Place hatchlings in a tub with moist paper towels as a group until they all shed then transfer to individual enclosures with appropriate humidity and temperature.
- Feeding: Offer first meals 7-14 days after the initial shed.
Monitor hatchlings closely to ensure healthy development.
Final Thoughts
Breeding ball pythons is a meticulous process that, when done correctly, can be incredibly fulfilling. By following these steps and observing your snakes carefully, you can increase your chances of a successful breeding season.
Shane Kelley