I agree with Doug's words and will add a few more. During this time I would highly recommend that you keep a continual supply of fresh water (every day); dehydration may be a major cause of egg binding but I have little scientific evidence to support my claim...just a theory. Also, make sure that the ambient humidity in the egg laying box is kept moderately high. You may have to hand mist the container every other day...just make sure its NOT wet!...just barely damp at the most. I personally wouldn't recommend vermiculite for the egg laying medium (fine for incubating the eggs though); go with Doug's advice as that is what I do as well....I have even successfully used shredded newspaper with good success - misted and wrung out). Also, make sure the box is placed in an area where the temps are approximately where they should be at during the incubation process (something in the 78 degree range). Your female will start to get real restless just prior to actual egg deposition; that will give you a nice behavioral cue that something is about to happen. I have found that egg bound snakes will normally get at least one or two eggs out before problems happen. If, after egg laying, you still notice bulges after a day or so, you may need to get the snake to the vet immediately.
Hope this helps.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>Hey guys....I know it may take a while for a female to lay her eggs but all the talk of females getting eggbound has caused me to think a bit and post here. My female BT Cribo is looking really plump and I have given her a lay box with vermiculite in it and she has checked it out since shedding 8 days ago. I have given her total privacy as she has been quite nervous ever since being bred, striking glass etc...Questions is when should I be expecting eggs and how long after her shed is considered egg bound? Any tips on getting her to lay? Extra humidity? Different temps, etc? Do I just need more patience and a Valium?
>>
>>Any help would be appreciated....I am just an anxious father to be....Thanks!!
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

[ Hide Replies ]

• Pre-lay shed questions...........breeder help...... - bthacker, Sun Feb 26 21:40:49 2006
• RE: Pre-lay shed questions...........breeder help...... - Doug T, Mon Feb 27 02:01:57 2006
• RE: Pre-lay shed questions...........breeder help...... - Carmichael, Mon Feb 27 08:48:18 2006
• RE: Pre-lay shed questions...........breeder help...... - bthacker, Mon Feb 27 09:52:55 2006
• RE: Pre-lay shed questions...........breeder help...... - bthacker, Wed Mar 1 22:42:07 2006
• One more question............Help..... - bthacker, Wed Mar 1 23:22:50 2006
• RE: Perhaps it won't be- - epidemic, Thu Mar 2 10:56:02 2006
• RE: Sounds normal.. - epidemic, Thu Mar 2 11:01:33 2006
• Thanks Jeff....... - bthacker, Thu Mar 2 11:56:06 2006
• talk about time well spent............ - dan felice, Thu Mar 2 13:08:24 2006
• RE: Pre-lay shed questions...........breeder help...... - steve fuller, Mon Feb 27 16:36:45 2006