Reptile & Amphibian Forums

One of my big Nueces County girls laid this clutch of fourteen perfect eggs, last night. She was bred to a reverse-striped male, which is also a Nueces County locality animal. He was found by, and belongs to Todd Hughes.

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-Toby Brock
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research

Excellent! I hope I have the same success with my black rats.This is my first time with egg laying snakes! Im excited . Any Advice?

Those SW rats lay the most perfect eggs I have ever seen of all the eggs I have hatched. YAHOOO!
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Todd Hughes

>>Those SW rats lay the most perfect eggs I have ever seen of all the eggs I have hatched. YAHOOO!
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>>Todd Hughes

Yep, I agree, Todd. They lay some very pretty eggs. Then the fat little monsters hatch - ready to fight and eat! LOL!
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-Toby Brock
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research

>>Excellent! I hope I have the same success with my black rats.This is my first time with egg laying snakes! Im excited . Any Advice?

Thanks!

Black Rats are easy to keep, like all of the Pantherophis bunch. I have not bred them, but some of the experienced folks here have. I think that breeding and egg incubation is probably as straightforward as Corns and Emory's. Any particular issue you need advice for?

Best of luck!

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-Toby Brock
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research

I think Draybar answered most everything for me. One thing I would like multiple opinions on is this. I have read about the whole issue of keeping rats individually or in pairs. Neither the male or female seems bothered by the others presence right now. Would I notice signs of stress you think? I have decided to keep them together until signs of stress or until right before egg laying occurs. What is your opinion? I really don't want to chance egg reabsorption at all, but I am pretty sure I would notice the female being stressed. (been keeping snakes since I was a boy) What is your opinion?