Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi
Since posting the pics of my gravid female 30 June, my female has just become bigger. She is still not interested in food but is fairly active. Between the scales (midbody/on the side)there is a gab of 2-3 mm, and she looks more and more gravid. Weight is now 316g.

She spends more and more time in a box filled with live sphagnum moos, but spends the night in her burrow.
So there are 2 things that can happen: Either a MEGA clutch or she dies. I have newer had any snake looking so grotesk.
So I am still waiting and waiting. There are some other animals with clutches including a lot of pond turtles nesting, so I havent slept a good night sleep for weeks now,but that is a burden I can take......
Best wishes
Søe
Reptilia-Denmark

I have something similar going on right now.My melanistic is about 2 months overdue.The babies are definitely dead inside her.She is eating like a pig and deficating normally.I really don't think taking her to a vet to get sliced open will do any good.As long as she is eating I will leave her be.She's done as a breeder though.
Tom

I'm not familiar with that particular species/ssp, but I have to say that she is one of the most gorgeous garter snakes I've ever seen! My compliments, and I hope everything comes out all right (excuse the pun) .

My first inclination is to sit tight a little while longer. From her behavior, it seems like she's close. Really close. Maybe any day now. I don't know how long one should wait before suspecting a "clog in the plumbing" or some other physical problem, but hopefully there won't be one. Hang in there, and please keep us posted.
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MichaelB

Hi
Yes she looks really close, but she has been looking like that for some time now. Actually all too long for my patience, but there is nothing to do besides waiting. Either she dies or give birth, so I just hope.
She is a San Fransisco Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia)one of the rarest snakes in nature, but pretty common here in Europe. In USA they are protected and illigal to keep on private hands.
I find it also to be one of the nicest garter snakes and very easy to keep. They even grow very rapidly and matures in less than 2 years. My female is nearly 1 meter and only 3 years old
Reptilia-Denmark

Mike B