How to Breed a Blood Python

Blood pythons are a species of constrictors that have become more common as pets since the 1990s. They are docile and manageable when they are born in captivity, but can be somewhat difficult to maintain, so a few years of experience with snakes is necessary before keeping and especially before breeding the pythons. Blood pythons' mating usually occurs at the beginning of winter, but in larger groups, mating can occur at anytime of the year. Because of this, it is better to have multiple pythons of both sexes to mate. Also, pythons must be at least 18 months old to be mature enough to mate. Although there are many reputable sources to buy captive-born blood pythons, breeding your own baby pythons can be a rewarding experience and possibly a lucrative business.

Things You'll Need

  • Healthy adult blood pythons
  • Small reptile cages
  • Python diet
  • Incubator
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your adult pythons at an increased rate in the fall, just before the breeding season begins. Female pythons especially will require less time in between meals. Normal feeding schedules are approximately two weeks apart, so increase that to feeding once a week.

    • 2

      Stop feeding the pythons once the breeding season begins. If they don't seem to be showing mating habits, try misting them with water and dropping the ambient temperature of the cage to the mid-70s at night.

    • 3

      Bring the male snake over to the cage of the female that you intend to breed it with. If your snakes already occupy the same cage, allow them to stay. Keep a watch on the pair to make sure breeding occurs and ensure they are getting along. Individual snake's readiness to mate will differ during the breeding season; certain pairs you pick out just might not work together.

    • 4

      Begin feeding the snakes again once the clutches are laid. The females will lay eggs 40 to 50 days after mating, in the spring most likely.

    • 5

      Carefully remove and place all the eggs in an incubator. Keep the temperature between 88 and 90 degrees. They will hatch in about 60 days.

    • 6

      Feed the babies within several weeks of hatching. Baby rats and small mice are appropriate for hatchlings. Some hatchlings will refuse to eat. One way to get past this is by placing it and its food in a small dark container. This will help it feel secure. Also, a few new blood pythons will only eat live rodents, but this isn't recommended unless it is the only way they will eat.

    • 7

      Place baby blood pythons in cages similar to their parents' but much smaller. Baby blood pythons become nervous in open cages without cover.

    • 8

      Determine and label the sex of each hatched python if you plan on selling them or breeding them.