She was indeed gravid :) ( pics & question )

[ChristinaM]

So, this
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/KayleighM/Snake%20Love/whoopie5.jpg
on April 7th, resulted in
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/KayleighM/Karma/karmeggs.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/KayleighM/Karma/karmeggs2.jpg
today!!!!!!
I counted 23 eggs, but I could be off... I didn't want to handle the clump too long and may have under or over counted. All good eggies.

My question:

1. I'm using vermiculite as an incubation medium. Do I cover the eggs 100%? They are clumped together firmly.

If I cover them 100%, how can the eggs on the bottom hatch and survive? The bottom eggs have a couple rows of eggs and medium on top. ( I'm used to lizard eggs where you leave some egg visible for the hatchling to climb out, or they can suffocate themselves ).

2. Any other pointers on incubating for a first time snake breeding? I'm only experienced with lizard ( bearded dragons, leopard gecko's ) eggs.

Thanks

[Jeff_Favelle]

Don't cover them 100%. Look at all the pictures of corns hatching (lots on this website ALONE) and see how they orient their clutches. Copy that.

[Simon]

Don't cover them 100%
Put a nice layer of moss on top of them, this is to keep the eggs moist. We don't want to suffocate the little ones now do we~

One little way to count eggs correctly. Use a marker and 'dot' the eggs whie you count it. This is good for two things. You dont recount eggs and if for some reason one egg falls off the clutch you'll know which way is the right side up so you don't drown the hatchling in the egg yoke.

Congrats on the clutch again~~

[vanderkm]

Congrats on the great clutch. We don't cover at all - just support on a rack above damp vermiculite - no substrate method - but Simon's suggestion of covering with damp moss is great if you place them on vermiculite.

If you are marking eggs, I suggest a pencil instead of a marker so no material leaks through the shell into the developing egg.

Best of luck with them - great looking parents.

mary v.

[gonesnakee]

IMHO I wouldn't go with any damp moss at all. Its been my experience that the moss helps promote mold on occassion & if it is too wet or dry it can "drown" (if too wet) or dry out eggs (acts like a wick & sucks moisture out, if too dry). I'd also consider checking out the "no substrate method" of incubating eggs. Nice first clutch BTW a classic example of how a bigger/older female is better. I wouldn't doubt that she may double clutch for you this year & all following years. Congrats & Good luck Mark

[ChristinaM]

Thanks everyone.... I will look for posts on the no substrate method of incubating.

I would like to get an accurate count of the eggs, is it safe for me to handle the clump to do so? Or should I just leave it be and we'll see when hatch time comes? It doesn't really matter to me either way. If I can count them without risk of injuring the development then I will, if I can't, then I won't :)

Oh, the female is 2yrs old ( as of July ). I did not brumate either of them. I was very surprised at the amount of eggs, and that all appear healthy.

[gonesnakee]

She's just young yet then, but a nice breeder size though. I too will attempt breeding at 2 years, but only with nice large females that were not brumated, but grown up all winter. Again Congrats Mark