Maternal Incubation Update

[SerpentLust]

So the 50 day mark is fast approaching. July 25th will mark 50 days that my spotted has been on her eggs.

I have some questions/curiosities...

First, I noticed today that she left her clutch to explore the enclosure and get water and such. I know this isn't unusual, but I was in the midst of feeding my male and she looked very hungry so I took a shot and gave her the thawed rat. First she bolted back to the eggs to protect them as I expected, but then she peeped her head out, tongued the rodent, and took it without hesitation, like she was starving. I was under the impression that snakes who are maternally incubating do not eat.

I'm assuming there's nothing wrong with feeding her, but I was just curious as to whether this might be an indication that the eggs didn't make it. They look fine as far as I can tell.

Secondly, assuming they do hatch, I have been informed that after I remove the babies from the enclosure I have to sterilize the enclosure thoroughly in order to get rid of the "baby scent" so to speak. Obviously I was going to clean it anyways after the eggs hatch, but I was curious about that fact aswell.

Crossing my fingers. My mom has my work phone number in case they hatch while I'm there. Camera is sitting by the enclosure ready haha

Jenn

[The Snake Guru]

Sounds like she's doing fine! They will snag a meal if one happens to come to by during the incubation time....just most females won't have anything it to do with it so not many people even try.

The part about the hatchling scent is absolutely true, most females will not get a feeding schedule again until all traces of the young are gone. Though yours may in that minority, but it's still a good idea to clean up after everyone is hatched out and moving away from the Dam.

Good luck on the hatch! Hope they go for you!

~B~

[gonesnakee]

Should only be another week or 2 tops until hatch. Good that she ate for you, most mommas won't eat when they have eggs around or even after you have taken them sometimes for a while. Big reason why folks will take them is the female will start feeding sooner & of course more control over incubation temps etc. Sounds like they are doing good. Hope your enclosure has no lil gaps anywhere as babies will be tiny lil worms, Mark