Ovulation size

[emroul]

I have been waiting to see any signs of ovulation from my female ball for the past few weeks, and the other day I noticed that she looked a little bigger than usual about half way down her body. I was thinking that is was ovulation, since she only stayed that big around her midsection for about 18 hours (maybe more, I woke up and noticed it, so it could have been 24-30 hours). Either way, I am wondering now if that really was ovulation, because from some of the pictures I've seen of some real blown up females, she wasn't quite that big. I'd say it looked like she just got through eating a jumbo rat (which, she can only take down large rats, so...) :rolleyes:

You see what I'm saying? I've seen some female pictures where they look like balloons, so I'm wondering do they all get that big during ovulation, or does it depend on follicle size, etc?

Thanks for any feedback. :)
Jennifer

[Markus Jayne]

Jennifer,

It could very well be that you witnessed ovulation.

I find that sometimes we see things that we hope is ovulation as well. In my experience, the one thing that is certain is that ovulation is marked by a significant swelling that is unmistakable.

Many times when I first got into breeding I would think I witnessed ovulation only to realize later once a femmale did ovulate, I was just a case of wishful thinking the first time.

Check out this link to a page a put together showing all aspects of breeding. It also includes several ovulation pics.

Hope this helps.

MJ

Breeding Page (http://ballpython.ca/Breeding.htm)

[marisa]

What I would like to know is how can one be sure they witnessed ovulation if you use hiding spots? LOL. I literally have to remove my female to see anything, and I certaintly don't go doing this everyday.

Do breeders looking for ovulation and sure signs use hiding spots? Or more accesable (sp) ones at least?

Marisa

[emroul]

Marisa, I know what you mean about the hide spots. I check on my females once every other day or so, and I could very likely miss it.

Marcus, I have looked at that page before, and it was very helpful. The only thing I did wrong probably was not actually take her out of her cage and hold her like the ovulating female is being held in the picture on your site. I just went by what she looked like in her enclosure. I am thinking that it may have been just "wishful thinking" since I have heard it is unmistakable.

You never know. :) Thank you for your input, I really appreciate it. I guess we'll see, after her next shed I'll give her an egg-laying box just in case. :)

Jennifer