Ovulation in a unbred female Ball Python.

Okay, where to start? I have a 50% het for albino female (approx 1600 grams) that I purchased from an individual in November. When I got her she fed for me 3 times when I received her and then went off feed until Jan. 26. She then started feeding once a week again. Even though she weighed approx 1400 grams when I got her I felt her body type was a little on the slim side for breeding. So she has never been with a male in the amount of time I have had her. Last week (Thursday) she ate 2 small rats and I noticed she was "crankier" than usual. Today I go in to clean her tub and she opened her mouth and hissed at me. LOL!! I noticed she was a little bigger around the middle than usual, so I left her alone and cleaned the rest of my tubs. Approximately 3 hours later I went back to check on her and she looks like she swallowed a football!!

Now I have heard of ball pythons holding sperm for up to 6 months, but when I got her in November he didn't say anything about any copulations or trying to breed her. So the question is "Can they go into ovulation without breeding?" Will she just produce unfertile eggs? Anybody help me with this? It was very unexpected to say the least. Thanks!!

Hey Bill,

Ball pythons will not ovulate unless they have successfully bred with a male. If they are not bred, the unfertilized follicles will be re-absorbed by the female. For reference purposes, check out the Breeding Ball Python video by the Sutherlands which makes a specific reference to that. Looks like your lady played around before purchase. Not a bad little bonus. Good luck.

Thanks, I know they are supposed to reabsorb their follicles, but I was just wondering if that always happens or if there has been cases otherwise. An exception to the rule so to speak. LOL!! Trying not to get my hopes up if there is a chance it won't happen.

I for one have never seen a Ball ovulate that was not mated. I would have to say it ahs been paired up at some point prior to purchase.

Bill ,

What you need to do is send your Adult Female Albino BP to me , just to make sure she is ok. I would suggest leaving her permanently in my care. You still have my number , call me so we can work out shipping arrangements. thanks


Derek Federico

Bill,

We all know Derek, is in Ma. and it is just too cold up there . Just send Her on down SOUTH. Here, she may live out her days in a lovely sub-tropical climate. I, will love her even if she has a weight problem LOL.
Just pulling your chain. Hope things work out well with her.

You can always send her out here, the weather is far more suited for her. From your description she may be on the verge of obesity, I can put her on a diet.

Forget them Bill.

I have a treadmill (barely used).

I'll work those unwanted pounds off her.

Just to clarify, I am talking about a 50% possible het girl. Not my albino female that Derek seems to be obsessed with. LOL!!

That's okay, I do not mind flaws.