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what is the proper breeding weight for ball pythons

Posted By:

critterking1987

In Relation To:

brute [b1]

hi i was wondering what the breeding weight for ball pythons because i have a male ball python that weighs 406.g im looking into getting him a girl friend and is he breedable because i want to try my hand at breeding ball pythons next season thanks iherp

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Points:	150
Topics:	Copulation
Tags:	Breeding
Species:	Pythons > Pythons > Python regius
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Accepted Answer

10/30/2008 5:04:14 AM

Katie M

I haven't bred ball pythons yet, but I've heard from a reputable breeder (plug Melmo here) that you want to wait until your male is at least 500 grams, bigger and older if you're willing to be patient, and your female should be at least 1500 grams, although some people breed them at a smaller size. Always better, regardless of the species, to err on the side of caution. Sometimes a little bigger and a little older can be frustrating when you're excited to start a project, but waiting till the animal is healthy and ready can help to ensure a better outcome for further projects down the line

Member Comment

10/30/2008 8:14:33 AM

kondro86

the male should should be at least 1000g. and the female about 1500g.

Member Comment

10/30/2008 10:32:42 AM

Sonja K. Reptiles

From what I've read, the male should be 800 - 1000 grams, and the magic # for a female is typically 1500+ grams - I think a female as small as 1200 grams can breed safely, but 1500 grams seem to be better. I've heard of males breeding at as little as 500 grams, but that usually results in less fertile eggs / more slugs.

Member Comment

10/30/2008 12:52:29 PM

amarilrose

Dittos Katie. Under 1500 grams in a female, and you risk permanently stunting her growth and production potential.

Member Comment

10/30/2008 2:33:22 PM

juddb

1500 for females and 500 for males, but for the best results you should shoot for bigger/older females! Hope this helps.

Member Comment

10/30/2008 3:44:12 PM

dalvers63

As others have stated, females of at least 1500 grams are the best though I do know of some who have bred them smaller and been successful. I always err on the side of caution though and am not in a hurry to breed any female until she's ready.

When it comes to males, that's a different story - for them it is more about maturity than weight. I'd give them a year at least to mature which would put most all boys I know over 500 grams. I'm more inclined to give a small male a chance over a small female.

Assisted Answer

10/30/2008 11:55:17 PM

Melmo

Males can be bred at as little as 400 grams but they do need the maturity on them to be producing sperm. Females at least 1500 grams though bigger is better IMO.

Member Comment

10/30/2008 11:56:26 PM

Melmo

Also like to add that I personaly believe females should be at least two years old before breeding, preferably three.

Member Comment

10/31/2008 1:53:33 AM

xanaxez

most would say around 2 years old for your female and about 18 months for your male just to make sure he matures enough. i will not breed any of my ball males under 1000g and i will not breed any female under 2000g due to the female loses alot of weight during and after producing eggs. i had a female i bred at 2800 g's and after allowing her to self incubate and finally eating 3 weeks after pruducing egss her weight was 1596 grams.

Member Comment

11/2/2008 1:00:10 AM

Melmo

That's a big reason why many people do not allow a female to maternally incubate. It's easier on the females if they can go back to food soon after laying.

Member Comment

11/2/2008 11:08:58 PM

amarilrose

Exactly Melmo! -- but if you were to take a female that is just 1500 grams and allow her to incubate her own eggs, you would probably see her growth and production potential permanently stunted as well. Just because these animals can start producing at a minimum size, they can't do so with great success unless you also have some very good management!

Member Comment

11/26/2008 4:03:51 PM

CnS Exotics

Males become reliable breeders between 450-750g's. and from 6-12 months of age. Some will breed young and some it will take a longer time....

Females can breed as small as 1,000g's and 1.5yrs. old. However because it does take alot out of the female with breeding and egg production 1200-1500g's or more is generally recommended.

This past season we bred a girl who was just a hair over 1100g's and 1.5yrs old, she produced 4 fertile eggs and one slug for us and we allowed her to maternally incubate the eggs throughout the entire duration of the incubation process. All eggs hatched out for us and the baby's are all doing great. She ate for us on the first attempt and had 4 rats the day we took her off the eggs.

She's since been eating 3-4 rats a week and is already back to size and ready to go again... Whether or not she decides to breed or even takes for us is one thing. But she's about 1600g's now and getting bigger and bigger shedding for us every other week!!

I'm not necessarily saying breed as young as you can or as small as you can simply to breed. But it can be done and is a testament to the breeder IMO.

Member Comment

11/26/2008 4:05:41 PM

CnS Exotics

As for your male at 400g's + if he is producing sperm plugs and is willing give it a go!!

Breeding ball pythons is a very rewarding experience and definitely adds excitement to keeping these beautiful animals.

Best of luck to you and keep us updated on the results!

Member Comment

4/14/2010 11:18:53 AM

aaron

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