Ball python husbandry and breeding questions

[pitontheprowl]

Originally Posted by Tommynov1000

Hello!

I have been researching owning and breeding ball pythons for about a year now, but have quite a number of outstanding questions. I plan to start with owning a male and female, both juveniles to start with. I've also posted this thread on another site, just in case that causes issues for whatever reason.

1) Is it better to own a tank that will eventually properly hold a full grown male/female to start with, or upgrade to larger sizes as they grow?
You are better of moving them to larger enclosures as they grow. They tend to start feeding and continue feeding in tighter spaces.
2) Are there such things as "auto-humidifiers" capable of accurately measuring humidity of the tank and regulating it? I don't mind misting the tank whatsoever, but I worry that I may mist too much or too little.
This is a great reason to use a rack system instead of FISH tanks. If you think you want to start breeding you will soon be out of space for tanks.
3) I've found multiple sources emphasizing minimum weights of both the male and female, but not so much age. Does age matter?
Usually a male can start breeding as soon as 6 to 8 months of age if he has some goo size and producing plugs. Females take about 2 to 3 years IF she decides to breed. This is why you will want to purchase your females first.
4) Does it matter if the male happens to be larger in terms of weight/length to the female, as long as the female has reached the general 1500g mark?
Males usually will not get over that weight. I have had a couple over 1500g but its not often.
5) Is there a reliable source to describe snake genetics, especially for 3 and up gene snakes?
6) Reliable source for help determining snake morphs?
5 and 6 are really the same question. World of Ball Python is the most used source BUT the problem is anyone can submit an animal an they don't get/give an description of what or why. They have a lot of special looking normal recently.
7) Is it okay to allow the female to incubate her eggs on her own until they hatch? If so, what are the risks?
You can but why would you want to control everything in their life and put in all this work to take that gamble?
8) Is it better to purchase a longer terrarium than a taller one? I understand most ball pythons don't really climb, but I haven't found many long tanks that are as voluminous as a taller one.
Again you will soon want/need racks.

So what are you wanting to start with and produce?