Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anyone know how long the aggressive/defense response remains after a cluch of eggs are removed?

Rob

Any of you folk who have removed eggs from an aggressive (defensive) female know how long it takes to revert to "normal" behavior, once the stimulus (eggs) are removed?

Thanks!

Rob

>>Anyone know how long the aggressive/defense response remains after a cluch of eggs are removed?
>>
>>Rob

I can't help you with this question, sorry

In all honesty, the time varies. But the animals I've worked with were testy before and testy after. So it's essentially a difference of degree.

As a general answer to your question look for a more relaxed state within a month. Animals in the wild wil defend even an empty nest. In your case this could be reduced as yours was not a scenario I envision her 'guarding'. Most mislayed eggs are ignored ather quickly. They know when and where to invest their energy.
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CDieter
'Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science.'

the 'wil' should be will and the 'ather' should be 'rather'.

I guess I'm spelling impared this morning

>>In all honesty, the time varies. But the animals I've worked with were testy before and testy after. So it's essentially a difference of degree.
>>
>>As a general answer to your question look for a more relaxed state within a month. Animals in the wild wil defend even an empty nest. In your case this could be reduced as yours was not a scenario I envision her 'guarding'. Most mislayed eggs are ignored ather quickly. They know when and where to invest their energy.
>>-----
>>CDieter
>>'Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science.'
-----
CDieter
'Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science.'

Oh, OK. I just need to do a water change - it presents a problem when as I approach the enclosure she dives off the bank into the water to "get me".

I noticed today she seems a little better and actually ate a small rat.

Thanks,

Rob

To add to Chris' comment, the behavior seems to vary among species. Most of my experience is with alligators, and they seem to guard the nest right up until hatching time and a few weeks beyond.

I am currently watching two females in particular, who are stilll guarding their repsective nests, when these eggs should have hatched a few weeks ago. The nests are still there, so they seem to have reason to believe the eggs must still be also - even though they were removed in July. They've heard no hatchling vocalization...

It seems that climate changes effect the mothers' biological clock, prompting them to naturally abandon their efforts. The climate is changing here in Central Florida, and one can already see the effect on the alligators' thermoregulating.

So give it a little time, and that particular form of aggression should wear off.
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Israel Dupont
Winter Haven, FL

Thanks Israel,

I cleaned out her enclosure this past Saturday with little incident.

Thanks to everyone for their help!

Could you take a look at this question as well?

http://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=923527,923527

Rob
Link