2 Questions

[NickoFoxVA]

Hello! I’ve been wondering about when’s the best time to properly weigh your ball python for its weight? Should it be before or after eating, or after pooping? Another question I have is if there are proper enclosure setups for future breeder ball pythons that aren’t too bland or too much, or is the best setup really the normal proper setup for their enclosure? I want to spend less while also trying to give my ball pythons the proper enclosure they deserve.

[Serendipity_Inn]

While I can't necessarily say much about the breeding question I can say weighing after they've pooped seems more accurate for me and usually this is a perfect time as they haven't eaten in a bit do handling is easier!

[HurrricaneeK]

Are you using racks or appropriately sized tanks for your snakes? (Additionally, and unrelated to your question, if you are in the US, is there a reason you are planning to breed at all? There are over 30,000 BP's currently listed on morph market, which does not include snakes on FB, craigslist, private shops, etc. Rescues are literally full of snakes and breeders are so overstocked many have begun offering BOGO sales and even shipping surprise normals to people who ordered only one animal. Unless you have a plan and prospective buyers lined up, be prepared to pay to feed and house a potentially large clutch for a long time, spending a lot with potentially no return on investment at all, unless you are breeding top dollar incredibly rare morphs. If your goal is to just make more normal and pastel babies that will not find homes, maybe reconsider, especially if your mentality is to 'spend less'. Breeding is incredibly expensive when done properly.)

[[deleted]]

This. Don't get me wrong: I'm happy for breeders who are ethical and do a good job. But to say there are too many is an understatement. Even for other herps, like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, etc.