Ball Python Breeding Question

[giambi4343]

this may be a dumb question but.... i was doing more and more research on ball python breeding and i was wondering why to introduce the males to the females in November, when the females do not start developing follicles until late january or february? it seems like a waste of time almost:) im sure it probably isnt, but i was just a little curious. also, should you keep introducing males 3 days on, 3 days off, until she shows signs of ovulaton? or when do i stop introducing. thank you
andrew

[frost]

here is a very nice site from Markus Jayne detailing the breeding process... not sure if you can find the answer here..


Markus Jayne, Ball pythons | ballpython.ca (http://www.ballpython.ca/gallery/breeding.html)

[Damion930]

I belive but I could be wrong that the early introduction has to do with developing a comfort level with the female so that when she is physicaly ready she is not stressed by the pressence of the male.

[Jendee]

There will be more action earlier on like in November, the male will copulate and the female will retain the sperm while she develops follicles and ovulates. I just watched this yesterday on snakebytes lol

[citysnakes]

some hypothesize that copulations stimulate follicle development so early introductions may get certain females to begin vitellogenesis that otherwise wouldnt have started at all.

[mykee]

Just what Julian said.
Also, females begin their follicular development in August or September, not February and March. Follicular development takes roughly 8 months from begining to ovulation, not two. The reason for introducing males in November is to stimulate the female enough (even though I personally rarely see breedings until February) so that they continue to build their follicles and not absorb them.
Stop pairing once the female ovulates.