Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone,
I do not post on this forum often, but just had my first clutch out of my L.m.greeri pair. I purchased the pair as adults last year for $100, because the previous owner thought the female had developed an eye infection during brumination. (Took her to a vet and it turned out to be some sort of physical trauma that came off with the next shed).

Anyway, when I first bought the pair, and occassionally since, I have spent quite a bit of time comparing them to photos of both greeri and potential hybrids on this forum, and as far as I can tell they are pure greeri. However, she just laid a clutch of 11 (3 were slightly smaller than the others) fertile eggs and this seemed a little high to me (Applegate's durango breeding article doesn't show any clutches above 8). Am I correct in assuming this is too high a number for greeri? or do their clutches occasionally reach 10 ? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I am at work at the moment but will post some pics of the adults when I get home.

Thanks
Chris

My book "Kingsnakes and Milksnakes" by Markel & Bartlett states clutch size for greeri is 3-11 so it's not un-heard-of. Post some pics when you get a chance. I'm no expert on greeri but some others here have alot more experience with them.

Good luck.
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Vichris
"The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane"- Marcus Aurelius

Vichris Variables

Here is a pic of my male durango. I didnt get a chance to photograph the female last night but she looks almost identical to the male with no red on her head and very similar banding. Looking forward to what everyone thinks.

Thanks
Chris

Chris,

Looking at your male I don't see any obvious red flags. If your female is nearly identical to this male, I wouldn't question either one of them. I'd still like to see a photo of your female. If you don't know these snakes well, others of the Mexicana group can look very similar, with certain details providing clues.

If they are indeed both greeri and produced a clutch of 11, I would tend to agree with Vichris and say that a clutch that size certainly isn't out of the question. Not the norm, but very possible so you couldn't judge purity by clutch size alone within that range. Until we see a pic of the female we'll just have to say that you have done extremely well with them and deserve to be congratulated.

The three smaller eggs... are they bright white and full, or are they dull colored and somewhat soft?
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Mike

the smaller 3 are bright white and full so they appear to be good as well. Just slightly smaller than the rest. I'll see if I have time for a pic of the female when I get home this evening.

Chris