Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a black racer that layed eggs. Ive had plenty of snakes lay eggs before but she layed them over a period of two days and all over the cage. I supplied her with an egg laying box with peat, she didn't lay any of them in the box. she would lay one or two at a time and scattered everywhere. I now have them in my incubator. They are starting to look a little yellowish. I was wondering, does this mean that they are bad eggs? they arennt collapsing or anything they are just getting yellowish. Also, is this normal for a snake to not lay them all together because all my others used the chamber? I've never bred racers before though. Thanks, Mark

I wish I had some first hand racer experience but do not. I can tell you that some snakes just don't like using the lay box, and with your racer, I might associate it with it being a more active species; one that might not have an enclosure to it's liking.
If you catch the eggs early, so they don't dry out, then there is still a good chance that they'll do well. As for discolouring, in my experience, they've all died off, but hold onto them until it becomes more obvious that they arn't any good. I know of plenty of examples where other people have hatched some pretty ugly eggs.

Good luck, I'm sure it's an interesting species to work with

Ian

Thanks Ian, as of this morning they haven't gotten any darker. I was able to get them out before they dried up. I was actually able to get them out as she layed them, atleast most of them. The fact that she would lay 1 or 2 every few hours and just all over the cage made me think that maybe they weren't any good. The racers are actually my sons snakes but are interesting to work with. He's 8 and the first time hes gotton eggs so i'm hoping for a couple good ones. My hognose and milks eggs are white so I don't know. Anyway, thanks again for the feedback.
Mark

I have notice from field experience that black racers will often double clutch in a season any many times the first clutch will be duds and the second will be fertile. Of course, this is not always the case, but it could happen so you may want to leave a moist hide/lay box in the enclosure.

Wow, I just realized how old that post was, but it still applies.