I work at a museum where snakes and other reptiles are used for educational programs, sometimes gone most of the day for outreach. Within the last two weeks, I put a male hognose in with a female, which I believe is older(she has small cataracts in both eyes). To my surprise, they immediately acknowledged each other and mated. I had to leave them together overnight, because after several hours, he was not leaving. These snakes have not been exposed to seasonal factors. To my knowledge, the female has never been exposed to a male or laid eggs since at the museum(before my time). Can I expect anything to happen? I am not very familiar with snake reproduction, but can simply mating induce ovulation? What is the sperm storage capactity for hognoses? I want to have a realistic idea of what will happen. Also, I am concerned for the female. I need to know what to expect so I can take care of her accordingly. How would excessive handling affect her? She can be taken off of programs. I would appreciate any insight, this has been very interesting.

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• Reproduction and Ovulation - Clemmys, Tue May 11 21:54:45 2004