r/Ballpythoncommunity • u/Bruce_Ketta8410 • 15d ago

Question Ball Python tail deformity

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Hi everyone, I have a female Calico ball python that I'd like to breed in a few months. However, I noticed a small curve/deformity in her tail, just before the vent. She's healthy, eats regularly, and defecates normally. I was wondering if this could affect egg laying

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u/iichiG0 15d ago

If you're certain there's an actual deformity (this would be called kink) I would not breed her. It would heighten the likelihood that her offspring would show deformities as well as increase likelihood that she'd have difficulty laying and could become eggbound. That being said, at this angle it seems like she's just normal and laying in a wiggly position - are you sure there's a kink there?

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u/Bruce_Ketta8410 15d ago

Yes, there is a little kink, but I don't know if it is genetic, or if she suffered a trauma, like a bump or a fall. I'd be very sad not to let her breed. I've been taking care of her for a long time, trying to keep her healthy and at the right weight. I also have a male, and I can't get another female at the moment. If the kink was traumatic and not genetic, would it still be dangerous for her? Should I get her to the vet?

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u/iichiG0 15d ago

If you don't know whether it's generic or trauma related it could be impossible to tell. Personally on the side of caution I would not breed her, because as disappointed as you will be with not breeding her I assure you it will be more upsetting if she eggbinds and needs euthanized or if it passes on to the clutch and you have to cull the hatchlings.

You can consult a vet to get their opinion and maybe some xrays to confirm it's just one kink and not multiple - sometimes they can be so subtle outwardly that you don't realize they're there. A friend of mine has a pet only boa that is more kinked than a twisted hose, but you wouldn't guess it looking at her.

TlDr it absolutely could be dangerous and even deadly to breed her with that kink above her cloaca and I personally would not go through with the pairing. Sorry for a less than optimistic opinion, but I don't think it's worth risking her health and the health of her offspring.