Breeding ball pythons: THE PROCESS

[@Nismo400rgtr]

7yr old video and this is one that makes most sense because it's all about understanding the animal and conditions. Those go hand in hand through observation. Well done! I've learned immensely.

[@davidboggs3057]

I used the advice and direction from this video to mange my first "season" this year starting in Dec. This is a great blueprint and easy to follow. Thanks Gavin..

[@Balls2U]

I'm glad it helps 😊👍🏼

[@dragontamerreptiles4955]

Great job trying to education the current hobbyists on important breeding info Gavin!

[@Balls2U]

Dragon Tamer Reptiles thanks bro. 😁👍

[@rachaelboyden2096]

I'm so glad I found your channel, your videos are so informative and thorough! I wish I could buy from you!!

[@Balls2U]

Rachael Boyden thank you for taking time to watch my videos 😊

[@harithwaseem8468]

Drinking game: take a drink every time he says follicles. Love your vids btw

[@cameronleeleatherworks254]

Honestly I've watched a lot of videos on breeding, techniques tips Etc and overall this one video has answered every question that I have had! Awesome! Fantastic info and encouragement and everything that you say is based on experience and Science and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. Thank you! You're the best! Cheers mate

[@Balls2U]

Thanks for watching and your support 👍🏼

[@TELScaniaman]

Someone on a forum I use asked about vitamins/supplements for gravid Boa's so I sent him this video and everybody said how helpful it was and was also very informative.

[@Balls2U]

Martin Dixon thanks mate 👍

[@KNSExotics]

Awesome video man, this is going to be our first year breeding and I've been trying to get as much info as possible for the last 2 years but this has been to most detailed information to make me more comfortable and confident going into my first time around.

[@Balls2U]

Best of luck 👍🏼

[@markbeds6217]

Defo the best breeding video I've watched full of valuable info and as I've always suspected there is no set breeding season, looking forward to your dinker vid

[@Balls2U]

Mark Beds thanks Mark, I hope this helps 👍

[@mariawilliamson2014]

excellent video, was great meeting you, thank you so much for this information!

[@Balls2U]

Great meeting you too

[@stevemunn9455]

Great advice gavin looking forward to the next video, all the best Steve & Michelle

[@Balls2U]

Steve Munn thanks Steve, hope your both well my friend?

[@chrisconsentino1481]

Excellent video. Thank you very much for the information. I really appreciate the attention to details. I am just getting into breeding myself, so i will be following you and watching the rest of your videos to learn as much as possible. Thank you again!

[@gamerdad1070]

Great video very helpful 🐍👍🏻

[@debbiehardesty3414]

Great job Gavin, education never hurt anyone. Thanks for the info. Have a wonderful Christmas season!

[@Balls2U]

Debbie Hardesty thank you, you too Debbie 😊

[@mariaparrott8687]

Evening, I love watching your vids, thank you for posting. I do have a question when it comes to ASF's. I know you've said you feed these because it's royals natural prey in Africa. The documentary with Dav Kaufman suggests otherwise. What's your take on this?

[@kellymedhurst6529]

Well what can I say ,love your videos. I've been breeding a few years now but I feel I learn something new everytime you do a video like this. thank you for another amazing detailed video.

[@Balls2U]

Kelly Medhurst thanks for watching Kelly and your support 😊

[@rhiannonthornton2635]

Watched a lot of videos to get educated and this guy got it bang on! ☺️ thank you!

[@Balls2U]

Rhiannon Thornton thank you for your support

[@mrporter4488]

am i the only one that thinks he reminds me of how ralph davis would be if he was from the uk? great videos sir! keep up the good work! amazing animals in that collection!

[@TELScaniaman]

Excellent video mate, education, education, education is the key to success as well as research. Here's to some more amazing clutches.

[@Balls2U]

Martin Dixon thanks Martin, I do my best 👍

[@sethzelenik1605]

When you say banging food does that mean you still feed once a week or how often should they eat during breading. Thank you for all the help you give.

[@Jms_16]

Thank you so much for all this info. As of now i just have three ball pythons rights now. A male pastel and two females one Spotnose and a Mojave. I would like to breed them when they at ready and I really like how you break everything down.

[@Rudimental-ity]

Very informatiave and on a different angle, Thank you so much!

[@calaisroyalereptiles2955]

Always good to see your videos!! Thanks for the effort you put into this - it really does make a difference.

[@Balls2U]

Calais Royale Reptiles thank you for your feed back and taking time to watch my videos 👍

[@Jordan-ot7qf]

Thank you. I have a good year to study before pairing. This is a good start

[@meganwillette4567]

This video was great! Very informative and helpful for those of us interested in getting into breeding. Thank you for the information!

[@GrenadesExotics]

Love this series man. Always great to see how others do things. I've definitely picked up a few new techniques! Thanks

[@Balls2U]

Grenades Exotics thanks for watching bro..... always good to get feed back 👍

[@andrewklein9221]

Informative video .. nice set up .. little tip, do a few rehearsals when doing a piece to camera, plan what you’re going to say ..

[@tenfootgrizzly8695]

I find your videos informative and very helpful, especially as I am excited for my own first breeding season. Mine are still young but growing fast. I've decided to breed my coral glow mojave (may actually be a phantom) and my lemon blast (both males) with a killer bee. Hoping for some beauties..

[@Balls2U]

Ten Foot Grizzly thank you and best of luck with your breeding plans 😊👍

[@jeysomcabrera7555]

very useful information as usual mate keep doing what youre doing. its guys like you that make being in this hobby great. 👍

[@Balls2U]

Jeysom Cabrera thank you for watching and your kind words 👍

[@mcreptilesmalta867]

Hi Gavin, So this is my first year of breeding balls. I have been keeping reptiles and breeding mainly colourbids successfully for the past 20 years. I introduced my male banana cinnamon to my two females (fire pewter & caramel) in November and they locked four or five times until feb came. The male stopped feeding but on the other hand the females were pounding food (3 - 4 medium sized rats at one feed). The females have put on good weight and from 1.7kg they ended up at 2.4kg in three months. Then they started to reject the male when introduced. I stopped introducing him at one, this was end of feb. They shed several times since then but no eggs yet. the females did not loose any weight since then but have refused food for two months now. the male has been pounding food once again now and gained weight again. My conditions are spot on and the tubs are at constant temps and the humiditiy is fine too. What shall i do? Shall i introduce the male once again now after two months or wait till june or july for some eggs? what is you humble opinion Thanks in advance Mark from Malta

[@factszn]

Extremely late to the video but outstanding information and advice !!! Thank you

[@realbran.]

I've got 2 questions: Do you feed the female normally as well once you've taken the male out after the first locking session? Do you keep putting the male and female in for the whole breeding season or when do you stop putting the male in?

[@Balls2U]

I tend to feed the female twice a week after she's locked.....and I put the male in once a month until the female has ovulated

[@JU1CYFRU1T]

Great video! The reason that the "breeding season" typically starts in November, is because for those of us in the northern hemisphere, that is winter. It is MUCH easier to begin cooling the snakes when the temperatures outside my house/room are lower. Also, some people like to have all their animals lay around the same time, so that setup/care can all occur at the same time. Personally, I think the way that you breed year round is a better setup. You aren't overrun by 80 clutches of eggs... you get a few, clean/grow/sell/etc those clutches... and then you get a few more clutches. Question based on your schedule: I am putting one male to 2-3 different females. Do you suggest shortening the rest time between females. I would assume your suggestion would be male with female 1 for 40-72 hours, then back home for one week. Male in with female 2 for 48-72 hours and then back home for a week. Male in with female 3, and then back home... OR would you suggest a longer rest, and the girls just don't get bred every 3 weeks?

[@Balls2U]

Juicebøx I would breed the females at different times if you can, so start one of locking with your male then maybe two weeks later start the next one and so on..... I would suggest as long as the male is having at least a week's break with a meal, then that should be OK. just keep a close on on your male 👍 thanks for watching

[@JU1CYFRU1T]

Thanks! That was my basic plan. I have a male pied that will be going in with a female lesser, a 100% het pied female, and a pos-het female. Next question, would you pair to females in any sort of order? My Lesser is at ~2,4Kg, the poss-het is ~1,9Kg and the 100% het pied is sitting at 1,5Kg... I'm sure it doesn't REALLY make a difference, but should I put him to largest girl first... largest girl last... idk. I have a 550g Phantom male, but I want to give him a little more weight before I send him in to "get things done". (just for reference, my male pied is at 1,1Kg, so ideally his stamina will be high enough for all the ladies).

[@Balls2U]

Juicebøx which ever order you want to do TBH.....it won't make any difference.

[@JU1CYFRU1T]

I think this is the last question (for now)... How long do you wait before and after feeding? What I mean by that, is I fed on Sunday (12/4)... waited until Tuesday to introduce (12/6), I will pull them out Thursday (12/8). Is that long enough after a meal to make an introduction? Also, do they need "time to chill out" before I offer food again, or should they be ok to just feed on schedule (Sunday 12/11), or should I use a different schedule? Sorry for all the questions, and thanks in advance for the help.

[@allegronontroppo1]

Thank you. My F is only 800g now, but I'm hoping to breed her next November (19') for the 1st time. Your breeding series is very helpful in jump starting my research into getting my small breeding program started. Thanks again for helping this community so much.

[@AppalachianPythons78]

Thank you so much for this series! Very educational!! I can't wait begin the process w/ my Butter pair and my other two when they're "up to par", LOL

[@MalachyLewin101]

Another great video mate. I'm not sure whether I should breed my male ball python, at least not yet.

[@Balls2U]

Malachy Lewin thanks, just take your time

[@EYADzoneable]

Thank you .. Very Informative Video ..

[@Balls2U]

Eyad Atteyah thanks for watching

[@TheRoyalBallShack]

Loving all the great experience you're sharing! Thanks!

[@Balls2U]

The Royal Ball Shack thanks glad your enjoying the videos 😊

[@MACKYBHOY1]

Another class vid Gav ,,this wee series of vids are gonna help out so much with my future plans ,,thanks man 👌🏻👌🏻

[@Balls2U]

MACKYBHOY1 no worries and I'm glad it will help you 👍

[@peteandenzo19]

Cheers mate been waiting for a video like this as I'm looking at breeding next year 👌👍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍

[@Balls2U]

reptilian Pete thanks mate, knowledge is power 👌😉

[@ivan_money_bags5295]

How’s it going now

[@punkofunko7064]

Great vid. I have a question about when to stop putting the male in with the female, if you even do that. So do you just keep putting in the male and then after some months on one of the 3-4week breaks where they are apart, there are eggs? For example say you know the folicles are prime size, shes ready to go, you just took the male out for what you think could be the last lock session, would you just keep him out for good? Or throw him back in after 3-4 weeks even though you think shes ready to go? Sorry if that was confusing my man, any help would be great.

[@Balls2U]

Peter Lenti I just keep putting him in till she won't let him lock or till I see her ovulate

[@ContentCobra-uy4iu]

Love the vid! I have a hypo lesser cinnamon 66% het clown, I’d love to hear of some ideas of a male and project I could put to her next year:)

[@peanutbutterboopde-bop9]

Hi, i have a 2 n a half yr old ball python (normal colours) but her parents were both morph, so if i was to breed her what kind of hatchlings would i get. Normal or morph?

[@cmmconstrictors5971]

great tips me these videos been helping me alot.. you should make a video on incubating eggs things you should do and not to do and what incubater you use.

[@Balls2U]

Chris Mcdonald thanks Chris, I did do a incubator video a while back take a look

[@okiendn2400]

Dudes a beast in the bars! Notice the scar above his eye. I have one just like it, from a dude I had no business fighting lol

[@kkslimes813]

Really informative video - looking into breeding in near future! 🤔 Still looks quite complicated haha but will soon get the grasp 😂😊

[@calissaobviouslycannotdeci7419]

I LOVE that shirt! And you are so informative! Love your videos.... Hello From TEXAS!

[@sambennett4676]

My female is window surfing alot lately. Does this mean shes ready? Shes never done it before.

[@wildaboutbritain4264]

Brilliant and very informative video, thanks for sharing! Out of interest, what is the ambient temp of your enclosures and what temps do you aim for their hot spots to be at?

[@CJEAGLES36]

Hey man. Thanks so much. You gave me the confidence needed to start breeding my Sally. Normal with a banana. Simple but I want her to have a life

[@jasminejeanine2239]

The fact that some snakes require cooler nights means they do have a breeding season but they aren't restricted to one a yr thus you can create the enviromental cues whenever you desire. Of course they also can get triggered by other cues so its definitely a bit all over the map. lol

[@mosaexotics6587]

Thanks for all your great videos. I had a question. I just purchased a female get clown that I brought to the vet. She has a minor ri infection but she also has eggs. I bought her and a male clown along with a super pastel, female. Can I put her with the clown or is that not a good idea with her infection?

[@mosaexotics6587]

the female in question is het clown. Sorry auto correct.

[@jacobmilller5886]

Thank you. Informative video as always.

[@Balls2U]

Jacob Milller thanks for watching 👍

[@SaulsBalls]

Thank you so much !! I’ve had no luck with any locks since September. I usually see locks since I started a few years ago and this season nothing. Maybe they’re not ready with their fat reserves. They’re eating like savages though. This video gives me hope 👍🏻👍🏻

[@andycollins6550]

Very well explained in detail

[@Balls2U]

Andy Collins thank you

[@t.jagnew4417]

Question buddy. At what point during this table is it safe to stop introducing the male ? Or do you keep going until its plainly obvious shes gravid ? Thanks buddy

[@Balls2U]

T.J Agnew yes that's right mate

[@t.jagnew4417]

Balls2U cheers buddy i have that table drawn out in my we record book and i wanted to add that part to it . Thanks again buddy onto the next video haha

[@raybrozzo7850]

I have found the longer you introduce the male seems to translate to less slugs and overall healthier eggs...it isnt over even by a long shot cause the egg care is just as crucial as the breeding cycle if you cant maternal them

[@nrnr6895]

Gavin you are a book for us seriousy!!!

[@TJHutchExotics]

Regarding the 18 month female that was ready to breed at 1100 grams, and had a clutch. Do you know or remember if her daughters also had an earlier onset sexual maturity? Just wondering if it was random, or possibly genetic.

[@masoneichhorn8054]

What do you do with the babies after they hatch?

[@Mystixspiral]

Honestly I’ve been wanting to start I’ve been taking my time in 2020 to research

[@rogerwatkin3103]

Awesome news with morph market so easy see you soon buddy 😉

[@Beromite]

So when in the breeding process do I stop putting the male in? Do I wait all the way until she lays her clutch??

[@Balls2U]

They will stop locking and you will see the female ovulate

[@Rikoku311]

I love the shirts! Do you sell them?

[@Balls2U]

Sergio Suarez yes I do mate, selling out fast

[@jonathanfleming1585]

really helpful, can i ask how often you feed a female during breeding season? thanks

[@Balls2U]

At least once every 5 days

[@jonathanfleming1585]

@@Balls2U thank you hoping to try my first time at breeding this year :)

[@natalieflynn1298]

hi kevin great video was very helpful full of info need some help though buying a champagne tomorrow can i pair him with a pinstripe totally new to this any advice welcome

[@josephderosajr9988]

i dont have a snake rack what sizes tubs should i uses for a ball pythons thank you

[@Balls2U]

joseph derosajr depends on what size your snakes are....take a look on Google for racks for sale and that should give you a idea 👍

[@MrPolny1]

Cool info Gavin!!... I kind of experienced this before watching this video just now. Actually, earlier today, i decided to introduce two males to two new females that have reached a little over 1200 grams and they started getting finicky with food to the point of missing 3 meals already and decided today to put two males thinking what you said earlier and maybe they want to breed :). So, i will know tomorrow in the am when i check on them or later tonight what the deal is :) Take care!

[@Balls2U]

Pablo de los Rios awesome 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

[@MrPolny1]

Update: Hi Gavin...so, i wanted to let you know that with my gut feeling and your perfect spot on advise you gave out to the community, one out of the two young and a little over 1200 grams females locked last night. I was happy to find my leopard Het clown locked with my first timer bumblebee clown little guy :) Hopefully, i can prove out the leopard is indeed het for clown :) I will leave the other pair 2 more days together and see if i have success and if not, no harm done and hopefully next time they go :) Take care Gavin!

[@MrPolny1]

just checked again and the 2nd pair locked!! calico spider pastel YB x banana pastel het clown :)

[@MalestromsRepRescue]

I had to revisit this for some encouragement and insight Thank You Gavin I now know what is going on! :)

[@Ashpepe]

Thanks for the awesome info

[@ruthlarson3531]

What is your opinion on power feeding? Some breeders I've talked to say it's dangerous, others say it's fine for the first year only. I've also heard that increased temperatures speed up metabolism, so feed according to the cage temps. I'd really like to hear what you think/do because you seem to be extremely knowledgeable about breeding ball pythons!

[@Balls2U]

Ruth Larson great question.....what would you class as power feeding?

[@ruthlarson3531]

Feeding more frequently, every 3 to 4 days instead of every 5 to 7 days. Feeding a larger meal than they can digest just makes the snake poop out a partially digested meal, correct? Power feeding with more frequent meals causes a faster growth rate, which is what my question is about, as I've heard that the snake's organs cannot support the body's growth.

[@Balls2U]

Ruth Larson OK.... there is no power feeding with ball pythons, the reason for this is because, if they don't want to eat then they won't...... in the wild, they wouldn't only eat once a week or once every 10 days, if they came across rodents every night then they would eat every night or every other night, because they are opportunist feeders, and as for feeding bigger meals, again in the wild, if it was too big they wouldn't eat it......I hope this makes sense and I may do a video on this 👍

[@Balls2U]

Ruth Larson oh and as for the organ thing.... think about it.... it can't be true, because the body grows at the same rate....or you'd have on leg or arm longer then the other or you would have one lung bigger then the other.....it's the same with animals.... there has never been a case where animals have been found with small organs due to over feeding, maybe with a growth defeat but never due to food. hope this helps 👍

[@ruthlarson3531]

Thank you very much for the insight! I never wanted to risk harming my snakes because of power feeding, but your answer makes sense.

[@andycollins6550]

Just had my first lock today iv dropped the temperature and now the female is chilling on cool side what precise temperature should I have the heat mat, my ambient air temp is 75 degrees Fahrenheit

[@mariehaugland9996]

So many details, thank you

[@BeRtIeStArScReAm]

Great info. 👌👍thank you.

[@Balls2U]

English Mustard thanks mate 👍😊

[@TheFirstVirtue]

Do you have a website at all? Really enjoy your videos. Don't have a snake yet. Still doing my research. Your videos have been very helpful:)

[@Balls2U]

TheFirstVirtue hi I don't, I try to do every think on KZbin or instagram.... I find it's easier to update then a website 😊

[@matthewhiggs4805]

What tubs are those in the rack?

[@Balls2U]

Those was the very first RUBS...

[@TheRealCeee]

great info! I was wondering how to start the process!! I keep my girl I a 50L RUB right now do I need to upgrade her housing to breed? just seems there won't be enough room as she is 2010g and he is 1340g

[@TheRealCeee]

come to think of it she is constantly at front of tub and gone of food I have offered her everything maybe I should introduce my ivory? exciting

[@dylanwicklund6971]

Great videos though I love watching them and learning more because I will take stuff from all videos and everything I read and tweak it till I got what I have now but it can always be tweaked

[@Balls2U]

Dylan wicklund thanks for watching 👍

[@guthriefullagar8293]

Quick Q - How long does it generally take for a female to drop eggs

[@anna-imal6632]

Where you get your tubs from

[@ThePythonBurrow]

Awesome info sir!!

[@Balls2U]

The Python Burrow thank you 😁

[@kerriemartin6388]

New to your channel, good info for everybody, haven't seen the ASF rats around here, will keep an eye out from now on.

[@GiftedGaz78]

Can you suggest a couple of genes to start with when breeding?

[@Balls2U]

Start with what excites you 👍🏼

[@leeguerrero1283]

How would I breed one male to multiple females during the breeding cycle? Also, at what time should we stop introducing the male?

[@jamiemckenzie8516]

Brilliant fact filled video !

[@itsbang7120]

YOU R AMAZING your videos and info is amazing thank you. Amazing #theamzingballs2u

[@angelobizzle3449]

Hello I just found your channel. Do you have any videos on helping ball pythons get through the shedding process?

[@Balls2U]

angelobizzle hi, yes I do, take a look back and you'll find it 👍welcome to my channel 😁

[@angelobizzle3449]

Balls2U ok thanks

[@JEREMIELEE]

Good video

[@patpatterson6073]

Thanks this answers a lot of my questions!

[@FastLikePuma]

When do you clean the females? After they lock and the male is put away?

[@Balls2U]

FastLikePuma yes mate

[@victorthevloggerrr8127]

Thanks a lot I’m thinking of breeding a banana lesser to my pinstripe female or a banana clown to my pin either way I’m exited because that would be my first clutch

[@matthewcohen3913]

So when do you put the male in within the femal ?

[@boxingboa]

Definitely sharing this video.

[@Balls2U]

boxingboa thanks brother

[@thelonegamer5286]

can a male ball python breed to different female during breeding seeason?

[@itsjewc]

Any tips on popping snakes? I'm worried about hurting them..

[@Balls2U]

Its JewC check out my last video with the ultramels on 👍

[@itsjewc]

Balls2U ❤️

[@JU1CYFRU1T]

I would highly recommend having someone physically SHOW you how to do it the first few times. It is not at all difficult, but there are little tricks, as well as "how much pressure" and things like that, which are much easier to show in person. Videos are great, but having someone watch what YOU are doing, and correct slight things makes it MUCH easier. Just my opinion.

[@SeniorKrazytt]

thank you for this its really helpful im just starting out and this is great

[@Balls2U]

Raul Sanchez thanks for watching

[@frankiebyers2176]

do you have a web site?

[@FastLikePuma]

Gavin, what does tail wagging mean?

[@Balls2U]

FastLikePuma it's when a female shows interest in a male and starts sticking her sent glans out while wagging her tail

[@FastLikePuma]

Awesome lol This is my first breeding season and I was not planning on breeding this girl, wanted to wait until she was 1800g like my other girls (she's 1100g), but I noticed she was doing exactly what you described! At the front refusing the food. Put my back up boy in and started wagging and is still making a ruckus!

[@Balls2U]

some times you have to read them and give them what they want, not what we want. 👍😊

[@FastLikePuma]

Locked today!

[@geonburden6218]

Best info video ever! Thanks

[@AdamandEveReptiles]

Very solid! Thanks for the nice info!

[@Balls2U]

Adam and Eve Reptiles thanks for watching 😊

[@tbmreptiles7384]

another great video buddy!!

[@Balls2U]

nick markham thanks Nick 👍