Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Adam Willich had a couple of weeks ago posted some great pics of a hondo laying eggs ... "eggs depositing".

Hey Adam, I have never had any luck witnessing my snakes lay eggs so that I can take some pics myself. Do you know of some behavior or signs that they exhibit a few minutes just before they lay eggs? Do they lay them at a certain time of day? Other than putting a stand by camera 24 hours a day, I don't really know how I can be there to witness egglaying, no matter how many female gravid hondos I have...

Any input? anyone?

Thanks,

Ray
-----
RAY

Ray,
I start with the date of last shed before they are expected to deposit the eggs. For me after day 7 I look at them and see where they are, in the nest box or out of it. If they are not in it, I pick them up and feed them in the hole of it so they can feel safe. When you find them in there you can see how they are positioned and get a better idea if eggs are coming. They tend to be buried in the moss and very calm and I feel this is a sign to expect eggs. It's kind of a look or feel for your animals. It does take some time for the clutch to be deposited so you should have a good chance of seeing it happen and get some pics. I would start looking at her after day 7 and see where she is. I have not found a time of day to be any factor.
I do my checks in the morning and after work. Odd that you ask as today clutch #8 was in the process of being deposited, 4 out so far when I left. I will see what the total was when I get home tonight.
Be patient and I think you will see it happen.
Kind Regards,
Adam

Thanks pal. My first gravid hondo for this season is 6 days past pre-egg laying shed and I'll follow your advice and check starting tomorrow. The only way I can check is one before going to work and one when I get home. Do you have any idea how long egglaying takes between the first egg and the last egg to be laid (assume an average of 6 eggs)?

Much appreciation and best regards!
-----
RAY

I'd say look on day 8 or 9 and you may see them being deposited. A clutch of 6 can take from 5 to 8 hours, many factors from first time breeders, size, days after shed.
Hope you get to see it happen, it's fun.
Regards,
Adam

.
-----
RAY