
Although i am just starting out, i completely agree with everything in this thread. Now none of my girls have laid yet, but i did try to get two of them to breed this season. One locked, and i must have missed her going gravid, and the other (older) girl refused to breed. This is fine with me, they are my passion, and i care whats best for them.
I've done so much research on ball pythons, and although i cant say i know everything, i do know what is best for my animals. I take full responsibility over them. The people out there that say otherwise really aren't intelligent in my book. I really hope they get out of the business if they are just in it for the money. They must not really respect the animal if they are willing to make it breed before its ready. Doing so only to put a few bucks in their pocket.
I will say when my girls are, and are not ready. I know this upcoming season i will have a few girls up to weight, yet i know i wont be breeding them. A lot of new breeders out there should be able to weigh the pro's and cons of breeding a young female, or a male. If i myself can say that, when i'm just starting off, then so should other people.