Reptile & Amphibian Forums

As a novice corn breeder, I was surprised by a second clutch of eggs from one (series of) breeding. The male and female were paired 3 separate times during a 3 week period in April. Each was a few days together, then a few days apart. She laid 12 (2 slugs) on May 15, then, without any further pairing she laid 13 (3 slugs) on July 11. Is this common, or unusual, or completely unheard of?
The Love's corn snake manual does't specifically say, but infers that a repeat pairing after the first clutch is necessary for a second clutch.
I'd appreciate any feedback or experience on this subject.
thanks,

By the way, she's a lovely yellow, orange and white. Bought her as a Reverse Okeetee Creamsicle (?) Paired her with an amelanistic male. First clutch hatched last week.

Second clutches are quite common, though they usually have a decreased fertility rate if a male isn't introduced again.

Please be sure to label all her offspring as hybrids!

It is not at all unusual to get second clutches. Especially if the female has been fed extremely well after depositing her first clutch. Some females are more inclined to second clutch too. As already mentioned if the male is reintroduced after the first clutch, fertility will be greatly increased. Congratulations on your success. Actually I'm waiting on a second clutch to hatch in the next couple of days myself.

--Dennis

Thank you both for your replies. Now I know! Do you think that this is somewhat preventable by only pairing them one time?

>>Thank you both for your replies. Now I know! Do you think that this is somewhat preventable by only pairing them one time?

The trigger is usually food. If the female is fed heavy after her first clutch, it triggers her body to lay a second clutch. If you don't pair them again, she will lay mostly duds, usually. There are exceptions. Sometimes a female can re-absorbe a clutch if it has not been fertilized. Even a first clutch for that matter.
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Disclaimer: I do keep several snakes in pairs, and some in groups. However I realize that things can go wrong, and I have to keep a close eye on those groups, to be sure they are not being adversely affected by these living conditions. Also if one happens to eat it's cagemate, it is 100% my fault, and I know the risks in advance!

What's wrong with using CAUTION?!?!?!
King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
~ Jorge Sierra www.SierraSnakes.com