Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a large female red spotted garter that I've witnessed copulation numerous times.I thought she appeared gravid but, immediately after what I thought was a pre-baby shed,she accepted an adult mouse! Is this normal??My corns would have never done this! Oh,by the way,the garters were not cooled during winter. Jeff

Jeff, garters will have several sheds ( usually 3 or 4) between copulation and birth, keep in mind that unlike corns who lay eggs and then the eggs incubate outside the body, so as you well know a corn will lay about 4-6 weeks after copulation with only 1-2 sheds, and then 60 days egg incubation, however garters have to incubate the eggs inside them so it takes a lot longer about 90days (actually the total process takes about the same total time), so I know what you mean it's a lot different with garters than corns. The importance of brumation is still up for debate with garters or all colubrids, I think. Likely you are still one shed out from birth with her, but having said that, have had females take 1 meal right after shed and then give birth about 2-3 weeks later, but usually they do fast from that shed till giving birth. What dates did you see copulations and how many sheds since then? This would be helpful additional info I think.
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Jeff Benfer
gartersnakemorph.com

Makes alot of sense! The bad thing is,I should've known this stuff!lol! Thanks! Jeff