I took a mess of pictures of this birth as the Momma was nice enough to have them before I went to bed. LOL
She was having them on the other side of herself so I could not see them. I took the camera a number of times and blindly shot over the top of her back to get these kinds of shots:
She already had a small group of them over the other side of herself when she stretched out and I could see them being born. I was happy about this change in posture:
Look at this huge lump of Pastel Dream Motley. KeyLeys and Key Wests coming down the pike!
While going through this process she lifted herself above a baby that she must have felt was getting under her. Still she continued to go through contractions even with this part of her body elevated. It was pretty fascinating to watch.
What a glorious puddle of goo and babies!
I love to see them from a low angle with all their little head poking up.
And I have to get at least one shot of a puppy in the membrane in my hand if I can...
Then after cleaning the aftermath, there isn't anything like a few shots of the babies while still all gooey. It's especially nice when they cooperate and don't try to escape all over the place.
You know, I never told people about this breeding. The ovulation was what I would call very low key. Her color throughout the gestation period has been stellar. She was never really very massive during the gestation period and in fact a month ago I had her pegged for a slugger. She did the right things but never really "looked" the part I wanted her to play. Then 3-4 weeks ago she did start to look pretty this up front and still pretty good sized in the back half. I became cautiously optimistic hoping for a 50/50 litter of babies and slugs. I didn't want to be greedy. Then when the time drew nearer and she didn't drop slugs and babies early, I became more confident in a decent result. So yesterday when I was able to observe most of the birth process and I watched baby and after baby after baby, you can imagine how excited I was!
So far the first litter that had a couple KeyLeys are only a month old. Yet they are lighter than when they were born and the color is crazy nice.
Here is a shot of a RosLey in the middle with two KeyLeys surrounding her. I am really looking forward to watching these guys grow up!
The KeyLeys, or Key West Motleys have black or near black eyes. Pretty cool I think.
Now I can relax a little finally.
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Jeff Ronne Sr
The Boaphile
Director USARK
Originator of Boaphile Plastics
The Boaphile Boa Site
