Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I had an unexpected clutch of ball python eggs. This was my first time to breed and I had thought that I had missed on eggs this time around when the female kept eating. It looks like I was wrong. Originally, I had an incubator ready to go but I passed on it since I didn't think that it was going to be needed. I checked on her two days ago and she did not have the eggs and this eve she is wrapped around 4. I guess at this point I should go with maternal incubation. Currently, she is kept on paper towels in a AP iris rack set at 91.5 degrees. A temp gun reads about 87 degrees where the female currently coiled around her eggs. Any suggestions on what I need to do differently?

Thanks,

W. Smith

At this point, let mom do it. And enjoy the process!
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

Do something to help with humidity. Easiest fix: place moistened sphagnum moss around the perimeter of the enclosure.

Thank you for the suggestions. I will place some damp moss in the tub tonight.

W. Smith

This goes to show that there are no fixed "rules" of behavior when dealing with these animals. I've seen them eat through sheds, illness, and breeding season. I've had them go off feed in the summer and resume eating in the winter. Some like small hides, while others will avoid them no matter what size they are offered. I've had picky feeders and your traditional "garbage disposals".

Over the years I've learned one lesson (besides patience): Always be prepared. You never know what they will decide to do - while general rules of thumb may apply to the species as a whole, we can't forget that each snake is an individual and will exhibit different behaviors and preferences of their own.

100% true!!!

Pitoon