Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Do Naja kaouthia typically go through a pre egg-laying shed? This girl was with her guy on and off for about months time starting in early Februrary. This is what she looks like today (and she is in blue). She did eat about 3 days ago, but even prior to feeding you could see skin between all of the scales on the last half of her body. Could she be getting ready to drop eggs?

What did she look like before she ate? Most snakes will not eat that close to laying or birthing, but there are exceptions. If she showed anywhere near that kind of scale distention before the meal, I'd say you oughta get a nest box or an incubator ready.

~~Greg~~

She looked like that prior to feeding. I only mentioned the feeding time to mention that the food is still in the upper portion of the body and is no where near the total volume that is shown in her. There were a few millimeters of skin showing between the scales on the last half of the body.

In that case, if you plan to leave her with the eggs, get a nest box ready & in her cage. If not, make sure your incubator is in working order. In the latter case, remember that when the eggs hatch, they are HOT. Make sure the incubator is snake escape proof. Best of luck to ya.

~~Greg~~