Effects of captivity on female reproductive cycles and egg incubation in ball pythons (Python regius)
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Published source details
Morrill B.H., Rickfords L.F., Sutherland C. & Julander J.G. (2011) Effects of captivity on female reproductive cycles and egg incubation in ball pythons (Python regius). Herpetological Review, 42, 226-231.
Published source details Morrill B.H., Rickfords L.F., Sutherland C. & Julander J.G. (2011) Effects of captivity on female reproductive cycles and egg incubation in ball pythons (Python regius). Herpetological Review, 42, 226-231.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Breed reptiles in captivity: Snakes – Boas and pythons Action Link |
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Breed reptiles in captivity: Snakes – Boas and pythons
A replicated study in 2002–2009 at a commercial breeding company in Utah, USA (Morrill et al. 2011) found that ball pythons Python regius bred successfully in captivity. In 2002–2009, a total of 5,344 eggs from 783 clutches were produced, with an average clutch size 7 eggs/clutch, and an average hatching success of 81%. Adult pythons were housed in individual cages (81 x 43 x 18 cm) with a substrate of wood chips. Ambient temperatures were kept between 21–29.5°C year-round, and a hot-spot was available in each cage that was 32°C during the day and 29.5°C at night. Humidity was maintained at 60%. Females (>1,500 g) were placed in cages with males (>500 g) for 1–2 days, and eggs were moved to Styrofoam boxes (29 x 39 x 18 cm) with a glass lid. Eggs were incubated in one-part perlite to two-parts vermiculite (5:1 mixture with water by volume), and temperatures were maintained at 31.4–31.7°C in 2002–2005, and 30.9–31.1°C in 2006–2009.
(Summarised by: William Morgan)
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