Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just had a clutch of pins hatch on there own right on day 60. All look good but one. The one is extremely small. It is still in the egg and I can see that most of the yolk was not absorbed. I don't know if it is hardened or what. I can see that the umbilical is not twisted. It looks like the baby is about 25-30 grams. I have done what I can to try and keep it in the egg but it is determined to come out. The umbilical is still attached at the moment but I suspect it will detach in a day or two. My question is how long do I wait to feed it. I would suspect that its belly is empty. Normally I wait till after the first shed to feed. I am not new to this, I have hatched 20 plus clutches but never had this scenario. Do I assist feed a pinky right away so it has food in its belly. I would be affraid to wait till first shed for fear the thing would starve. All the other babies are of normal size and look perfect in every way. Any input would be appreciated.

Joe

Joe,

If you are concerned about waiting for the snake to feed after its first shed then I would go ahead and assist feed it. If the snake leaves the egg before it has absorbed the yoke, then I would suggest ligating ( tie off with dental floss ) the umbilical chord about 1/2 inch from the snakes belly. If the snake leaves the egg dragging the yoke sac there is concern that the snake may get an umbilical hernia.

If you have more questions feel free to call me at 408-981-6694 or e-mail me at fgsnakes@sbcglobal.net

Best of luck
-----
Brian Gundy

www.for-goodness-snakes.com

I've actually had this happen a couple times! You can do as Brian suggests or as I have done, put the baby in a shoebox w/a wet paper towel! Make sure the umbilical is not twisted or crimped and lay the yolk sac on the towel as well! Leave him alone! Both times, the yolk sac was completely gone in the am! In that case, there's usually some kind of restriction!