***I received an email from a boy named Gwen last night which asked something similar to this question. Unfortunately, the email address he typed into the contact form must have been mistyped because it does not work, so I’m responding with this post. Gwen, if you’re reading this, comment on this article or email me again to let me know you got the response (and so I know whether or not I answered all your questions). -Elise
Let me begin by first saying that snakes, unlike chickens, do not often produce eggs on a regular basis if they have not mated with a male. A hen will produce eggs regardless of whether or not the egg has been fertilized by a rooster, yet a hen’s unfertilized eggs (which are the ones we usually eat) are different from her fertilized eggs (which become chicks). A female snake, however, will typically only lay an egg when the egg has been fertilized, and when there is an offspring in that egg. Typically speaking, if a ball python has an egg, therefore, there is a baby ball python in that egg. There have been a number of reported cases where a ball python will lay an egg that has no offspring in it (which are called “slugs” in the ball python world) when that ball python has not bred, just as the chicken’s unfertilized eggs would not contain an offspring, but these are very rare circumstances, and typically do not happen. If your ball python has an egg, assume it has an offspring within it until you can clearly see that it is a slug and is not carrying a baby ball python.
On the topic of a ball python laying eggs completely without a male, it sounds odd, but it is possible, even though it is a very rare phenomenon. A small number of reptiles actually have the ability to reproduce on their own, in a process called scientifically known as parthenogenesis, and more colloquially known as ‘virgin birth.’ In these cases, reptiles of the female gender, with no male interaction whatsoever, will spontaneously generate offspring. Parthenogenesis has been documented in ball pythons, bearded dragons, Burmese pythons, and even Komodo dragons.
More commonly than parthenogenesis, however, are situations where a female ball python who has not mated recently becomes pregnant because she held on to the sperm of a male ball python she had mated with previously. Females that have previously been bred can retain sperm for years in order to become pregnant in the future.
I have a female ball python that has never been mated and she is acting very territorial all of sudden which is quite unusual for her. Is it possible that she may have laid an egg somewhere in her cage
It’s possible – but it’s also possible that she’s going to be shedding soon. Ball pythons do sometimes get agitated when they’re about to shed. Keep an eye on her and look around for any visual cues for any eggs or signs of shedding. One or the other will probably explain the agitated mood.
I have a female that is 5′, I dont know much of her history, I have only had her for 1 year. She ignored her Rat yesterday, then when I went to get her out of her enclosure she was acting real flighty, and nervous. She is handled on a daily basis and has never been nervous or flighty before. when I went to put her back in her enclosure, she started leaking a liquid out of her rear end, could this be a sign of her getting ready to lay a clutch of eggs? I have never bred her personally, but I am not her first owner either, and as I said I dont know her history.
Sounds like a possibility to me. I’ve never had firsthand experience with a pregnant ball python, but that does sound likely.
My Alice is glowing she has never been bread but she is acting like she is going to have babies. has been off of food for 2 months shed but still looks vary good she is healthy I’m worried that she might lay eggs or could be sick she has been more active like she wants to eat but when I show her her food she want no part in it she is fat around her tail and part way up and is glowing she lays funny in her hut can u tell me what is going one with her
I would strongly suggest taking a picture of your ball python and taking it to a breeder to ask for advice on what they think it is. My guess is as good as yours – she might be pregnant. But seeing as how I’ve never had any experience with pregnant ball pythons, I think it’s best to ask someone with more experience if you can.