My corn snake didn't eat her food - Page 2

**Andy_G** · 07-21-18, 01:52 PM

Whoever informed you that inbreeding is something snakes do not do has absolutely no clue about what they are talking about and I would suggest that you avoid taking any further advice from them.

Her skin does look to be a bit stretched in the rear third based on that pic, so she very well may be gravid. If you pick her up in the middle, you should be able to see where the snake thickens up and eggs begin if she is in fact gravid. I suggest for you to do some independent research on what to do if you are expecting corn snake eggs and if there are any outstanding questions after you have done so then we are here to help. This information is readily available online as well as in books.

bigsnakegirl785 · 07-22-18, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iseitaku

I should point out they weren't a rescue. He simply needed to find a new loving home because he was going to start working out of town. Also they have been with eachother for 6 years now and never had eggs (1 year with me). The only reason I saw it as no problem for the to be cohoused was because they have been for 5 years never separated and we're hatchlings together and I was informed incest was not a think snakes do. So if Ruby is gravid with eggs what do I do? I'm certainly going to get a second tank and separate the two.

They certainly will. They're very small, which may explain why they haven't bred yet. She may not be gravid, but it seems a good possibility, especially if they've recently had an uptick in food intake. Gravid snakes will also sometimes refuse food.

If she is gravid, keep an eye out for unusual behavior. She's so small I may worry about complications...if you have a trusted reptile vet nearby, I may keep them close at hand in case any emergency surgeries are needed. Reproductive surgeries seem to be common in corns from what I've noticed. They will also lay unfertilized eggs, even without mating, and that can result in becoming eggbound which is dangerous for her.

You can try to incubate the eggs, or find another use for them. Such as snake or lizard food, if you or someone you know has an animal that will eat them.

Iseitaku · 07-23-18, 04:56 PM

So if she is gravid and eggs do show up. The issue is I have no egg incubator so would it be possible to have the eggs given to a local snake breeder? As interesting as it would be to raise snakes from hatching I do not have the time nor equipment for such a thing.

Also are you saying because of her size she may have issues laying the eggs? I do now a good vet who knows snakes who has seen both of them (ruby twice now).

bigsnakegirl785 · 07-24-18, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iseitaku

So if she is gravid and eggs do show up. The issue is I have no egg incubator so would it be possible to have the eggs given to a local snake breeder? As interesting as it would be to raise snakes from hatching I do not have the time nor equipment for such a thing.

Also are you saying because of her size she may have issues laying the eggs? I do now a good vet who knows snakes who has seen both of them (ruby twice now).

If you can find one to take the eggs, that is a wonderful idea.

She may have trouble not only laying eggs, but also getting to the laying stage. Females can often experience complications during the reproductive cycle, such as becoming eggbound or otherwise experiencing sepsis or a blockage. Even big, healthy females sometimes die. Being small may increase the chances of complications, and the babies may fail to thrive even if she does lay the eggs and they hatch, just simply because she doesn't have the health and endurance to support the eggs. Things may also go smoothly, too, no way to tell.

In either case, I would certainly discuss the possibility of eggs and their potential impact on her with your vet. They will be able to do X-rays or palpations to determine if she is even making eggs, and if anything goes wrong, the vet will be better equipped to take emergency action in the case something does go wrong.

**Andy_G** · 07-24-18, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigsnakegirl785

If you can find one to take the eggs, that is a wonderful idea.

Just be sure that if this is done, make sure you mark the top of the eggs and do not rotate them. Doing so would drown the embryo.

bigsnakegirl785 · 07-25-18, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy_G

Just be sure that if this is done, make sure you mark the top of the eggs and do not rotate them. Doing so would drown the embryo.

Good tip!

Iseitaku · 07-28-18, 09:04 AM

Just an update she did eat so according to the snake breeder I have chat with it was essentially snake puberty she went through. She is most likely not gravid, however now is the time to separate them asap. I have a second tan and 99% of what I need for the setup the only question is this to clean the items and tan itself what should I use? I am informed that I should avoid chemicals and be a germaphobe about what touches anything within their tank.

**Andy_G** · 07-28-18, 09:10 AM

There is no such thing as snake puberty. I'm hoping that this isn't the same person that told you snakes won't interbreed with each other. If it is...find someone else to consult because you won't get the right info from them.

As far as cleaning is concerned there are a few options : F10 , chlorhexidine, diluted bleach with water, vinegar and water, mild dish soap and water, or just warm water by itself.

craigafrechette · 07-28-18, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy_G

There is no such thing as snake puberty. I'm hoping that this isn't the same person that told you snakes won't interbreed with each other. If it is...find someone else to consult because you won't get the right info from them.

As far as cleaning is concerned there are a few options : F10 , chlorhexidine, diluted bleach with water, vinegar and water, mild dish soap and water, or just warm water by itself.

I agree with this 100%.

Unfortunately, you're being misinformed and should find a more reliable source.
Also, it's important to cross reference multiple sources before believing anything. It's so easy for somebody to spout random nonsense, or post something online that is 100% false. If you can't find multiple sources to back up an argument, there's probably not much truth to it.

As for cleaning, F10 or a 10% bleach/90% water solution works well. But it's important to air dry until there is no remaining odor.

Iseitaku · 07-28-18, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy_G

There is no such thing as snake puberty. I'm hoping that this isn't the same person that told you snakes won't interbreed with each other. If it is...find someone else to consult because you won't get the right info from them.

As far as cleaning is concerned there are a few options : F10 , chlorhexidine, diluted bleach with water, vinegar and water, mild dish soap and water, or just warm water by itself.

It was a local breeder who told me this not the same previous owner

Iseitaku · 07-28-18, 09:24 AM

"I would say it isnt likely, she was just having a coming of age fasting.
Basically breeding instincts kicking in." These were the breeders words exactly about Ruby not eating for a while. just for reference. "Snake puberty" was essentially just an easier way to put it.

**Andy_G** · 07-28-18, 09:37 AM

With the snakes being 6 years old, it is entirely possible for seasonal breeding behaviours to kick in, including fasting. Hopefully that's what the breeder was trying to explain. At that age, it would not be the first year for it to have happened either. Also, if that's the case, breeding most likely already occurred if the snakes have been co-habitating this whole time, so she may still produce eggs in about 40-60 days. Not "out of the woods" yet.

I'm glad you'll be able to separate them soon.

Iseitaku · 07-28-18, 09:40 AM

Yeah I didn't mean "literally" snake puberty just a simplified "human term" for it. Although I am somewhat sad they have to separate to be honest since they have been together all their lives, I think i'll at least keep the walls between the two clear so they can see eachother.

Iseitaku · 07-28-18, 09:52 AM

One other question. I realize aerosols are probably a no go for the room they are in but is there any sort of air freshener system that is ok for snakes in the same room?

**Andy_G** · 07-28-18, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iseitaku

Yeah I didn't mean "literally" snake puberty just a simplified "human term" for it. Although I am somewhat sad they have to separate to be honest since they have been together all their lives, I think i'll at least keep the walls between the two clear so they can see eachother.

This is not a social species and they will not miss each other. To state or believe otherwise is projecting human characteristics and emotions, called anthropomorphism. It's nice for us to think that they have these feelings, but they do not. Some reptiles are in fact more social and do develop bonds to us as well as each other, but those species are very few and corn snakes are not one.

I think plug in air fresheners would work as would anything that emits scent without burning or spraying.Aerosols/candles/incense would be things to avoid using in close proximity of any reptiles. Charcoal air filters are used by a lot of people as well to neutralise any smells from waste, but with 2 snakes you probably don't need to do that.