Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a pair of H. gigas that I bred this season for the first time. Yesterday my female had what I believe to be her pre-lay shed. I'm curious as to how long after her pre-lay shed I should expect eggs, what temps to incubate them at, and how long I should expect to incubate before babies hatch? Please relay your experiences with me. Much appreciation!
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Cheers,
Anthony

FWC's follow the usual colubrid routine, 12-15 days post shed, 65-ish days incubation at 28C.

Have bred them for the past five years or so, nothing unusual so far.

Cheers

Mark

OT, but what do you start your hatchlings out eating? I've got a clutch that have shed, and I've offered them fuzzies, but they don't seem interested. I plan to try feeder fish next, but have heard goldfish tend to have parasites. any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Sorry I missed this question.

I usually find about half the hatchlings will drop feed on pinkie mice or rats after the first slough. The remainder need a little work. I have tried scenting in the past but have found assist feeding is easy, as hatchlings are very aggressive.

Grasp the hatchling behind the head(carefully, they bite!) and place a pinkie in the open mouth. . . .it will be open! Usually the snake will bite down hard, release the hatchling and wait while it swallows the pinkie. I do this with the hatchling resting on the bottom of a large storage container, so that I can readily release the animal and walk away, safe in the knowledge it will not easily escape.

After a couple of feeds like this they get the idea.

I have spoken to others who use Trout scenting or pieces of trout. I prefer the assist route.

Cheers

Mark