Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a gravid female Spotted Python that I believe is a few days out from laying. I want to ensure that I am providing a proper environment for her egg laying task. She is in a 10 gallon aquarium with screen top which has been covered with plastic wrap to hold in humidity. Aspen substrate, clay pot hide, and a 4 oz water bowl. I just removed the 12 oz bowl, and replaced with the 4 oz to prevent her from laying in the water bowl. I’m using under tank heat, and there is also a 40 watt incandescent bulb in a work light fixture on top. Should she have more space? I have a 29 gal tank available if that would be preferable. Does she need a nest box? What should the humidity level be in her enclosure? I have seen her try a couple of times to get into her water bowl (the 12 oz bowl), which is why some of these questions have come up. This is my first attempt at breeding Antaresia, so any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Steve

Be careful of overheating. A 10 gallon tank with an UTH and 40w bulb doesn't provide much of a heat gradiant to choose from. Yes, the 29 gallon would be a better choice. However, if she truly is ready to lay anyday, I would not make huge changes to her environment now. Yes, I give all my girls a "nest box" to choose and they always use them. Use a plastic "shoe" box with a hole cut in the lid large enough for her to easily pass through. Add moistened (not wet) sphagnum moss and she will likely lay her clutch here as opposed to water dishes. Good luck with her.
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Ken Roshak
BlackSwampSerpents@toast.net

Ken,
Thank you very much for the response, and the great advice!

Steve

>>Ken,
>>Thank you very much for the response, and the great advice!
>>
>>Steve
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Ken Roshak
BlackSwampSerpents@toast.net

Well, I guess she wasn't as ready as I thought she was. She has eggs in with her inside her hidebox now. I'm going to leave her til the morning to pull the eggs. I'll post counts and such at that time!

Steve

16 little spotted python eggs in the incubator!

Lilly was a real sweetheart, never biting, striking, or even hissing through the whole process of removing her, bathing her, and getting her back into her enclosure.

Steve